EVEN WITH INSURANCE, CHILDREN RECEIVE
ONLY 68 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED CARE FOR ACUTE MEDICAL
PROBLEMS
~ National Children's
Groups Raise Their Voices for Kids in Health Care Reform
Debate ~
May 2009
Washington, DC - With a growing
number of employers cutting back on health benefits
or imposing greater costs on their employees for health
care coverage, the need to speak for kids has never
been greater. When a parent loses a job, the family
often loses its health insurance. Children in these
families are more likely to lack a regular source of
health care and are at greater risk of hospitalization
for preventable conditions.
People may not realize that
even with insurance, children receive only 68 percent
of recommended care for acute medical problems, 53 percent
of recommended care for chronic medical conditions,
and 41 percent of recommended preventive care. Children
with asthma receive only 46 percent of the care they
need.
Now, a grassroots mobilization
campaign is asking Congress and the Obama Administration
to make health care reform work for children. Spearheaded
by the National Association of Children's Hospitals
and Related Institution (NACHRI), the campaign Speak
Now for Kids in Health Reform utilizes interactive Web
technology to allow advocates to register online as
champions for children's health, express priorities
for children in health reform and upload testimonials
about experiences with children's health care coverage,
delivery, quality and costs.
Data on the site broken out
by state, Congressional district and rolled up nationally
to display advocates' opinions.
Why is it important for children
to have health care coverage?
-
Children are more likely to get treatment for
recurring illnesses and preventative care from a
physician or dentist if they have insurance. As
a result, they get sick less often and get needed
treatment when they are sick.
-
Uninsured children and those who don't have comprehensive
insurance coverage are more likely to lack a usual
source of care. Their caregivers are more likely
to delay or forgo care they may need. As a result,
they are more likely to be admitted to hospitals
through emergency rooms.
-
Unhealthy children are more likely to miss school
and their parents to miss work to care for them.
For more information, visit
www.speaknowforkids.org.
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