Thursday, July 01, 2004

Children Not the Target of Major Medicaid Cuts But Still Affected by States' Fiscal Decisions
A Fact Sheet in the Child Health Program Series (Adobe Acrobat format) from the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute - "States' most common cost-cutting strategies do not target children specifically, but some have reduced income or categorical eligibility, pursued cost-sharing requirements, or tightened home-and community-based waivers." See also SCHIP Programs Increase Cost-Sharing Requirements

("Almost all SCHIP programs have maintained their eligibility and benefits, but many are requiring greater financial contributions by families to control costs.")

  
  

Lack of insurance coverage, cost cited as reasons for not seeking mental health services
American Psychological Association Practice Directorate press release at EurekAlert - "Insurance coverage problems and costs supplant stigma as the number one obstacle to accessing mental health services according to a survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association. Americans say it's lack of insurance coverage (87%) or cost (81%) that most keeps them from seeing a mental health professional with 65% citing lack of insurance coverage as a very important reason for not seeking treatment. Survey results also show that 85% of Americans say health insurance should cover mental health services and that 97% of Americans believe access to mental health services is important with nearly three in four considering such services very important, on par with dental care."