A survey based on the CAHPS was mailed to a random sample (n=6,200) of the households of the 25,748 children that enrolled in Alabama’s CHIP in its first year. Respondents were parents or another adult family member of the enrollee. These analyses are based on 2,709 of the 3,196 surveys returned. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to describe respondents=experiences prior to and after enrolling in CHIP. Families who had problems with access to care before enrollment were compared to those who did not in terms of change in access to care after enrollment. Chi-square was used to test for differences between the two groups. Specific indicators of access produced the following group differences: 1) did not have routine or sick care (x2=116.376 (1) p<.0001); 2) had difficulty getting needed care (x2=30.210 (1) p<.0001); 3) waited longer than they should have for care (x2=79.063 (1) p<.0001) ; and 4) more frequently used the emergency room (x2=138.535 (4) p <.0001). For all indicators, families that had pre-enrollment difficulties improved significantly in their ability to access care after enrolling. A small percentage of families that did not have difficulties before enrollment did have difficulties after enrollment. Responses to a ‘comment’ question showed an overwhelming positive response to the program. Forty-five percent of the respondents completed the ‘comments’ section. Two-thirds of those expressed praise and thanks, a sense of relief or security, or stated that their child’s care was improved. Five percent expressed complaints about the coverage or the program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to: 1. List four indicators that measure access to health care. 2. Describe the effects of Alabama's CHIP on access to care. 3. Design a procedure for analyzing group differences in pre-post program change
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.