What Should Be the Nature and Scope of Pediatricians' Duties to Keep Their Patients Insured?

Abstract

Access to health care is a key structural determinant of health, with lack of health insurance as a main barrier. In the United States, nearly half of children rely on Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program for health insurance. Children's eligibility for coverage under these programs is income dependent and can vary over time, so changes in insurance status signal a need to screen for unmet structural needs. Clinicians, who are obligated to respond to what screening reveals, should be prepared to help deploy practice-based, health system, and community resources to help meet the needs of children and families.