A comparison of current childhood asthma prevalence and services with national goals and guidelines: National and Medicaid statistics: 2001 - 2004

National asthma guidelines aim to control childhood. Asthma remains one of the most common chronic conditions among youth. Comparisons of Medicaid to the general population are similar for several key markers. Over time, hospitalization rates are stable or show a slight increase in subanalyses. Thus, there is concern about whether the nation or Medicaid rates are addressing the national to reduce hospitalizations (Healthy People 2010). Specifically, the national rate was around 3.3 per 100 (2001 – 2003: 204,700); and, Medicaid hospitalization rates for children with current asthma stayed around 2.7 per 100 enrolled children (2001: 52,000+ to 2004: 58,000+).

Nationally the prevalence of current asthma prevalence averaged 8.5% (MMWR,2007), and 4+% in Medicaid children. In both national and Medicaid rates, hospitalizations were higher in blacks than whites, among pre-schoolers, and gender differed by age group. The ambulatory service rates steadily increase in both populations (children receiving services: 2001: 782,000+ to 2004 975,000+). National statistics are not readily available for asthma prescriptions, however for Medicaid we found that National statistics are not available for asthma drug therapy, but in Medicaid, asthma-related prescription claims continue to increase. Medicaid annually (2001: 782,000+ to 2004/2005: 850,000 +). Approximately 80% with current asthma had related drug claims. Medicaid expenditures for asthma care and drugs for those 0 – 17 years of age exceeded $500 million annually. Rates, odds ratios or relative risks and p values are presented by age groups, gender, and type of care. Some reduction in hospitalizations is evident in the State-by-State analyses.