Child development services in Medicaid managed care organizations

Carolyn A. Berry, Pamela M. Butler, Peter P. Budetti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective. We explored the current state of developmental screens, child development services, mechanisms to fund screens and services, and incentives for adopting new services within managed care organizations serving Medicaid enrolees. Design. National, cross-sectional mail survey. Sample/setting. Survey of 388 Medicaid managed care organizations (MMCO) enrolling children in 1998-99. Results. Most of the 155 plans that responded provided an array of developmental screenings and services, funded primarily through internal mechanisms or under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) programs. Plan contacts expressed interest in implementing new services, particularly if additional funding was available. The most important motivators included requiring services in the Medicaid contract, enhanced capitation rates, and demonstration that providing child development services would reduce other utilization costs. Conclusions. If state Medicaid agencies want to enhance the child development services available through health plans, they could initiate steps such as requiring child development services in contracts with plans or providers; revising EPSDT language and engaging in more consistent enforcement; and enhancing capitation rates. More research on effectiveness and benefits of specific developmental screens and services is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)157-167
Number of pages11
JournalAmbulatory Child Health
Volume7
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Child development
  • Developmental screening
  • Managed care
  • Medicaid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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