Access to Health Care
Children's advocates for all children to have access to health care. Children's health care is an inexpensive investment with an enormous pay off. Regular health care, immunizations, and early diagnosis reduce the likelihood of more costly, disabling, or life-threatening children's health needs.
Regular preventive care for children enrolled in Medicaid decreases emergency room use and hospitalizations. The cost of delaying care is far greater than the cost of covering children.
In the 1990's Washington improved access to health care for children and implemented managed care. These changes resulted in cost-effective, early care for children, and a subsequent dramatic decrease in hospitalization rates.
Mental health and oral health are essential to kids' overall health, but 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 five 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. Yet over half of Washington second-graders have experienced dental decay and need access to preventive dental care.
For more information about how you can help contact Suzanne Petersen, Director of Community, Government Affairs & Advocacy at (206) 987-2125.