Only a small proportion of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) receive needed therapy, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or glasses, and related services, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition, children who are more severely impaired and impoverished are even less likely to receive the care or assistive devices they need. Uncorrected hearing, mobility, and communication deficits slow children’s academic progress and development and may contribute to behavior problems, according to Stacey C. Dusing, P.T., M.S., and colleagues.
Using data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, the researchers calculated the first national estimate of the prevalence of unmet needs for therapy services, vision care or glasses, hearing care or hearing aids, mobility aids, and communication aids for CSHCN, as well as the demographic characteristics associated with these unmet needs. They found that 6 percent of CSHCN who needed vision care or glasses did not get them, and 25 percent of those who needed communication aids such as hearing aids did not receive them. CHSCN who were insured were substantially more likely than those who were uninsured to receive needed therapy, vision care, glasses, or mobility aids.
Impoverished children (at or below 100 percent of the Federal poverty level) were much less likely to have their needs met for vision care or glasses and hearing aids or hearing care than children living in households with incomes more than 200 percent of the poverty level. Eleven percent of children who needed physical, occupational, or speech therapy did not receive the needed service. For each of the services studied, more severely limited children were significantly less likely to receive what they needed. CSHCN insured by Medicaid had better access to vision care or glasses than other CSHCN. These findings demonstrate that Medicaid’s comprehensive coverage of assistive devices increases access to these services, conclude the researchers.
For More Info or to Read the Original article Visit
Written by Anissa Wardell - Contact your local Congressman to make a difference!
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
TPG Disableaids provide a range of items and services that help disabled and infirm people to be as self sufficient and active as possible. TPG can provide wheelchairs, stairlifts and bath lifts in the Hereford, Cardiff, Gloucester and Newport areas. TPG DisableAids carefully choose the products they supply to guarantee high quality and an excellent after sales service.
Dave London’s last blog post..Get The Helping Hand You Need With Mobility Aids From Gloucester Specialists