Keeps Kids Healthy!

What is Preventive Healthcare? “Going to a health care provider on a regular basis when you are well in order to identify early or prevent problems and also to promote health by providing information on safety, nutrition, exercise, emotional health, physical health, etc.” (well child care)

Preventive Healthcare benefit of Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare for kids under 21 years old. Children eligible in 2008 MN – 410,610 SLC- 15,971

Federal program EPSDT established in 1967 as preventive component of Medicaid State Program MN DHS responsibility to oversee all counties County Program SLCPHHS (as part of a 4 county CHB) has an administrative contract with MN DHS

Prevent disease and detect treatable condition EARLY to avoid further serious health problems and more costly health services for children at higher risk than the general pediatric population. Win-Win Situation: Keep Kids Healthier & Keeps healthcare costs down. Uses Public Health Model ~ Primary Prevention

Cornell U Study 2007 First longitudinal study on physiological effects of poverty in young children The longer 13-year-olds live in poverty, the less efficient their bodies become in handling environmental demands. Kids in poverty have a steeper life trajectory of premature health problems than other kids, regardless of their socioeconomic status in adulthood.

Ethnic/Racial Health Disparities Populations of Color and American Indians continue to experience poorer health and disproportionately higher rates of illness and death in MN despite the health of the state. Populations of Color in Minnesota – Health Status Report Update Summary, Spring 2007 Center for Health Statistics, MDH

1)American Academy of Pediatrics- recommended for all children 2) Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI)- recommended for children covered by private insurance 3) C&TC- recommended for children under 21 on MA/MNCare (established for kids at higher risk than general pediatric population)

What is Included in a CTC? Complete unclothed physical exam Immunizations Developmental and Social-Emotional evaluation Vision & Hearing Screening Growth Measurements Labwork- Oral Exam and verbal Dental Referral

Assure the Quality and Accessibility of Health Services Essential local public health activities –Identify gaps in quality & accessibility of health care services –Reduce barriers to health care access –Link people to needed services Statewide outcome –Increase the participation rate of MA / MinnesotaCare enrolled children aged 0 to 21 in the C&TC Program

Child & Teen Check ups Help is available to find a provider, make appointments, find transportation, get an interpreter. Call your local Child & Teen Checkups Coordinator at your Local Public Health

Integrate C&TC Outreach in all appropriate contacts. Remember preventive care concept for the entire family Help clients understand the importance of a primary provider/medical home Help parents find insurance if they are uninsured Refer uninsurable to “free or sliding fee” health care Incentives available from Health Plans