Medicaid/CHIP report decline in pediatric preventive services during pandemic

Sep 25, 2020 - 01:43 PM
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Use of primary and preventive care services have declined sharply among children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program since the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to preliminary data released this week by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

According to the data, vaccinations for children up to age 2 fell by 22% between March and May, while screenings to assess physical and cognitive development fell by 44% and dental service use by 69%, CMS said.

“The absence of these vital health care services may have lifelong consequences for these vulnerable children, and I call on states, pediatric providers, families, and schools to ensure children catch-up on overdue medical, behavioral health and dental appointments as well as childhood immunizations,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma.

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