The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and adolescents receive appropriate preventive, clinical, dental, mental health, and developmental and specialty services.

In December 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) convened a National EPSDT Improvement Workgroup that includes state representatives, children’s health providers, consumer representatives, and other experts in the areas of maternal and child health, Medicaid, and data analysis.

The group helps CMS identify the most critical areas for improvement of EPSDT, and provides ideas on how CMS can work with states and other partners to increase awareness and access to services, and improve data reporting to improve the quality of care provided to children. See more information on the EPSDT benefit.