Brief Are Children Accessing and Using Needed Mental Health Care Services?
Louise Palmer, Brigette Courtot, Embry M. Howell
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This brief presents data on mental health coverage benefits and enrollees' access to and use of mental health services through the Healthy Kids program in San Mateo County, California. The prevalence of mental health conditions among enrollees is similar to national levels, but despite the generous mental health benefits offered under the program, only a small fraction of enrollees with mental health conditions receive care. Reasons why more children do not use mental health services are explored. The brief also shows that enrollees with mental health needs have higher use of other health services compared to all Healthy Kids members.
Research Areas Health and health care Race and equity
Tags Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program  Racial and ethnic disparities Immigrant access to the safety net Immigrant children, families, and communities State Children's Health Insurance Program
Policy Centers Health Policy Center