Investing in a Healthy Start for Children
November 2008
Children in poor health generally do less well in school, complete fewer years of school, have poorer adult health and earn less as adults. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, only 41 percent of children receive recommended health screenings and services to prevent disease, reduce complications, and achieve optimal health and development, including those enrolled in Medicaid and SCHIP. States cover millions of children in their Medicaid and SCHIP programs, where children should be getting the recommended screenings and services. However, most states do not achieve the recommended levels of screening for their enrolled children.
In response to legislator interest in these issues, the National Conference of State Legislatures researches policy and provides technical assistance to state legislatures about early childhood health and development. State legislatures can play important roles in improving child health and development by considering evidenced-based and cost-effective pediatric practices, particularly around preventive, well-child care. Possible options for action include:
- Assess the status of the state's child health screening rates under Medicaid and SCHIP, including the recommended screening for developmental disabilities;
- Assess the availability of treatment services and referrals;
- Influence state planning and use of evidence-based best practices and cross-agency coordination;
- Finance specific initiatives and innovations to develop best practices as well as reimbursement within public health insurance programs;
- Set and regulate standards relating to insurance;
- Identify appropriate stakeholders who can collaborate with policymakers to create more effective child health and development policy.
 Improving Children's Healthy Development Through Federal Policy Change Webinar
Listen in on November 19, 2008 at 3 p.m. EST, the Commonwealth Fund
NCSL Meeting Materials:
Investing in a Healthy Start for Children: Are States Getting Their Money's Worth?
Spring Forum Preconference, April 2008
-
U.S. Variations in Child Health System Performance: A State Scorecard
The Commonwealth Fund, May 2008
-
Maternal and Child Health Project
NCSL website, 2008 edition
-
Newborn Genetic and Metabolic Screening
NCSL website, 2008 edition
-
Child Care and Early Education
NCSL website, 2008 edition
- State Policy Options to Improve Delivery of Child Development Services: Strategies from the Eight ABCD States
National Academy for State Health Policy, December 2006
- The Role of States in Improving Health and Health Care for Young Children
The Commonwealth Fund, July 2005
- Improving the Delivery of Health Care that Supports Young Children's Healthy Mental Development: Early Accomplishments and Lessons Learned from a Five-State Consortium
National Academy for State Health Policy, April 2006
- Screening for Behavioral Developmental Problems: Issues, Obstacles, and Opportunities for Change
National Academy for State Health Policy, November 2006
- Using Medicaid to Support Young Children's Healthy Mental Development
The Commonwealth Fund and National Academy for State Health Policy, January 2004
- Early Childhood Health Problems and Prevention Strategies: Costs and Benefits Studies Show Lasting Societal Benefits from Investments in the Health of Young Children
Partnership for America's Economic Success
- Early Childhood Development: The Building Blocks of Health and Well-being
Grant Makers in Health, August 2007
- From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development
Institute of Medicine, October 2000
National Organizations and Programs:
This project is made possible by a grant from The Commonwealth Fund.
 Back to Maternal and Child Health Overview
NCSL Health Topics, A to Z
 Back to Top
|
