June Quarterly: Medicaid Health Home -why it matters for kids with special health care needs
In July 2009, before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law, the Catalyst Center developed a framework for assessing elements of national health care reform that would meet the unique needs of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Health insurance for CYSHCN must be universal and continuous so there will be no gaps in coverage. Health insurance must be affordable; the premiums and out-of-pocket expenses should not cause financial hardship for families so that their children do not experience delays in care, or forgo care. In addition, health insurance must be adequate; it should cover services in the amount, scope, and duration that CYSHCN need.
The 2009/10 National Survey for Children with Special Health Care Needs reported that only 51.4% of children with special health care needs with public insurance who needed care coordination services received effective care coordination. Care coordination is one of the six services available to individuals who are eligible for Medicaid Health Homes, a provision of the ACA that went into effect on January 1, 2011.
In this issue of Catalyst Center Quarterly, we provide an overview of Section 2703: the Medicaid Health Home Provision of the ACA. This provision helps ensure Medicaid-eligible CYSHCN with certain chronic conditions receive adequate coverage.
