"One of the big policy implications is that we are not doing a very effective job enrolling children who are eligible for these health insurance programs," Damiano said. "Overall, we are doing better in Iowa than in other states, but we still are talking about a significant number of children who could be helped."
A U.S. Census Bureau Population Survey (1999-20001) showed that Iowa's rate of uninsured children is about half the national average and the fifth lowest among all states. However, with more education and outreach, it might be possible to cover about four out of every five currently uninsured children in the state.
In terms of unmet needs, the study pointed to a particular problem with dental care -- one in four children in Iowa has no dental insurance.
"Even one in five children who had Medicaid, which covers dental services, were stopped from getting dental care because of the lack of providers willing to take them," Damiano said. "It is important to improve this access."
Damiano said the study also showed other ways in which having insurance does not guarantee access to care. Parents who are not insured themselves or who do not routinely seek care for themselves may be less likely to seek or use insurance coverage for their children.
"Financial ability to pay for services is only one part of access to care. It's important to recognize that people perceive in different ways whether they or their children need care," Damiano said.
"It may be appropriate to cover families
'"/>
Contact: Becky Soglin
becky-soglin@uiowa.edu
319-335-6660
University of Iowa
16-Dec-2004