Child Health USA 2006
Photographs of children's faces

HEALTH SERVICES FINANCING AND UTILIZATION

The availability of, and access to, quality health care directly affects the health of the population. This is especially true of those at high risk due to chronic medical conditions or low socio-economic status.

Children may receive health coverage through a number of sources, including private insurance, either employer-based or purchased directly, and public programs, such as Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Eligibility for public programs is based on a family’s income compared to the Federal poverty level. Every State has SCHIP programs that help expand coverage to children who would otherwise be uninsured. Despite the progress achieved through public programs, approximately
8.3 million children remain uninsured in the United States.

This section presents data on the utilization of health services within the maternal and child population. Data are summarized by source of payment, type of care, and place of service delivery.

 
   

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Child Health USA 2006 is not copyrighted. Readers are free to duplicate and use all or part of the information contained on this page. Suggested Citation: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Child Health USA 2006. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006.