What is the Child Watch Visitation Program?

Compliance with special disclosure and reporting requirements• Persons apply for Medicaid for children have to cooperate with therequirements of their respective state agency. They usually have to disclose any-third party liability"- health insurance, etc. A Social Security number is also required.How long do children uSuaUy receive Medicaid?• Since even a slight change in income can cost a child Medicaid, the averagelength of Medicaid enrollments appears to be only between six and nine months forpoor children. Children end up losing coverage when their families get ·churned" inthe application and redetermination process.What kinds of benefits are available to children receiving Medicaidbenefits?• All state Medicaid programs must provide to all recipients under the age of 21virtually all services recognized under federal law, even if these benefits are notcovered for adults. Further, states may not impose limits on benefits for children otherthan limitations related to medical necessity.• In 1967, the EPSDT program was enacted. Its purpose was to find childrenwith ~ctual or potential health problems, and screen, diagnose, and treat theproblems before they became permanent, lifelong disabilities. Its thrust was, and is,disability prevention. Once a condition is disclosed through the screening, treatmentcannot be withheld until the condition reaches a certain level of severity. EPSDTentitles children to treatment as soon as assessment discloses a condition for whichMedicaid-covered treatment is medically necessary.• EP5 DT benefits include: periodic screenings to identify potential physical andmental illnesses and conditions; inter-periodic screening whenever a child issuspected of having a condition or illness in between regularly scheduled exams;immunizations, dental, vision, and hearing car-e; and a wide array of services andtreatment for children with a diagnosed problem.What is the Impact of these health care issues on Texarkana's children?RelOW-income children's access to primary health care:• Low wage-earners are unable to pay for primary health care to physiciansrequiring up-front payment for services.4Source: The Health of America's Children 1992, et ali Children's Defense FUnd. Washington. D.C.44