Seattle Children's advocates for access to healthcare for all children, regardless of their ability to pay. Last year, Children’s provided $86.2 million of uncompensated care for children whose families were unable to pay for the care they needed.
Regular healthcare, immunizations and early diagnosis reduce the likelihood of more costly, disabling or life-threatening children's health needs. Children's healthcare is an inexpensive investment with an enormous payoff.
The cost of delaying care is far greater than the cost of covering children. Studies have shown that regular, preventive care for children enrolled in Medicaid decreases emergency room use and hospitalizations.
During the 2007 legislative session Washington State passed landmark legislation extending health insurance to every child in the state by 2010. The law increases access, invests in outreach to families with uninsured kids, and ensures quality care for children in a medical home.
To learn more about free or low-cost health insurance for your children, visit Washington Apple Health for Kids or ParentHelp123.
Mental health and oral health are essential to kids' overall health and well-being, yet children still lack access to these vital health services.
While the effectiveness of mental health treatment is well-documented, most children in need of treatment go without it. In 2001, mental health needs became the leading reason for hospitalizations among 5- to 19-year-olds in Washington State.
New technology, such as fluoridation and dental sealants, makes it possible to protect children from most tooth decay. Nevertheless, over half of Washington second-graders have experienced dental decay and need access to preventive dental care.
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