The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT) is the primary vehicle for the provision of comprehensive health care to Medicaid-eligible children. Since HCFA's 1989 mandate of an 80% participation level for EPSDT among eligible children, states have tried a variety of methods to increase screening levels. Nearly half have adopted sanctions, both positive and negative, to raise participation in this publicly funded but often underutilized effort. States such as Texas have developed fairly heavy negative sanctions to encourage families to benefit from timely EPSDT screens, while others like Pennsylvania where sanctions are not part of their methodology, have adopted less aggressive means to achieve screening goals. Using current information and Automated Health Systems' experience as an EPSDT Program administrator in six states, we will discuss how these different approaches to increased compliance work, examine the similarities and differences between the approaches, compare their distinct effects on the families and the states and provide suggestions to maximize participation in this preventive health care program.
Learning Objectives: Participants will understand the difference between implimentation of sanctions or not with EPSDT participating families
Keywords: Child/Adolescent, Medicaid
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Automated Health Systems, Inc
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment