Preventive Services for Children Under Medicaid, 1989 and 1992

Receipt of key preventive services among Medicaid children in four States is examined. Between 1989 and 1992, small-to-moderate improvements in well-child visit and immunization rates were observed. Age, eligibility group, and statewide factors affected these rates. Uniformly low use of preventive dental care was found. These rates were generally higher among children with well-child visits. To understand the full extent of preventive care for children, all Medicaid-financed well-child services should be considered, not just those provided under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services program. Nonetheless, EPSDT is a critical vehicle for outreach and case management.