Strategies for Improving Access to Comprehensive Obesity Prevention and Treatment Services for Medicaid-Enrolled Children

Authors

Sara E. Wilensky, George Washington University
Ramona Whittington, George Washington University
Sara J. Rosenbaum, George Washington UniversityFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

10-2006

Publisher

George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Health Policy

Keywords

Medicaid & SCHIP; Obesity

Abstract

This policy brief builds on our prior work for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2005, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (GW) evaluated the role of public and private insurance in financing preventive care and treatment for at-risk and obese children. One of the key findings from that report was that Medicaid's existing Early and Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) coverage standards provide for comprehensive, obesity-related pediatric health care interventions. Using data drawn from state Medicaid programs, this report examines the extent to which state programs use the Medicaid EPSDT benefit to address and finance obesity-related services that advance best-practice standards in obesity prevention, treatment and management in children.

Comments

Funder: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Recommended Citation

Wilensky, S., Whittington, R., & Rosenbaum, S. (2006). Strategies for improving access to comprehensive obesity prevention and treatment services for Medicaid-enrolled children. Washington, DC: George Washington University, School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Health Policy.

Open Access

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