Addressing Pediatric Medicaid utilization in high-need states

In the United States, Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing healthcare to children, particularly in states with high levels of participation, such as Texas. Understanding the prevalent conditions treated under Medicaid and how our services can support these populations is essential for improving health outcomes.

High Medicaid utilization states

States like Texas, Florida, and California have significant numbers of children enrolled in Medicaid due to higher poverty rates and larger populations of low-income families. Texas alone has over 4 million children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) as of 2022. Factors contributing to this high enrollment include:

• Large population: Texas has the highest number of children under 18 in the U.S., with many coming from low-income backgrounds.
• Poverty rates: Approximately 21% of Texas children live in poverty, driving Medicaid enrollment.

Common conditions treated in Pediatric Medicaid

1. Respiratory conditions: Asthma is a leading condition treated among children on Medicaid. Studies show that children in foster care, particularly in states like California, Florida, and Pennsylvania, have high rates of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
2. Mental health disorders: Mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, and depression, are prevalent among Medicaid-enrolled children. Notably, children in foster care exhibit higher rates of mental health issues compared to their peers
3. Chronic conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, though more common in adults, are also treated in children under Medicaid, especially those with complex medical needs or disabilities.

How Modivcare helps

At Modivcare, we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to support Medicaid-enrolled children and improve their health outcomes:

1. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Ensuring children have reliable transportation to medical appointments, reducing missed visits, and improving continuity of care.
2. Personal care services: Offering in-home assistance for children with disabilities or chronic conditions, helping them with daily activities and promoting better health management.
3. Virtual and remote patient monitoring: Utilizing technology to monitor health conditions remotely, ensuring timely interventions and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.
4. Integrated supportive care: Providing a holistic approach to healthcare by integrating physical, mental, and social support services to address the comprehensive needs of children.

By focusing on these critical services, we can help reduce the burden of chronic and acute conditions among Medicaid-enrolled children, leading to better health outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment data highlights.
• Kaiser Family Foundation.