Children’s Health Coverage
Children enrolled in the State Children's Health Insurance Program had greater access to health care services, including primary care, and were less likely to face financial burdens and other health care barriers than uninsured children, according to a study in Health Services Research.
Researchers found that children enrolled in SCHIP were more likely to receive routine preventive medical and dental care and have better communication with health care providers. The authors note that these benefits were not limited to a specific state's SCHIP model.
The study concluded that improved access to primary care under SCHIP also has helped resolve parents' concerns about their children's health care needs (Kenney, Health Services Research, August 2007).