Discusses health care services received by pregnant women and infants, exploring the ways that these services affect child health outcomes, specifically low birth weight and infant mortality rate. Programs that offer the greatest potential to improve newborn survival with the least investment should have high priority. (SLD)

Analyzes annual medical expenditures for childhood (conception through age 18 years). A decline in the relative share of children's medical expenditures means that their health care will become more affordable compared to other groups. The least budget impact will result from expanding insurance coverage for 3- to 12-year-old children. (SLD)

Summarizes the private health insurance market, focusing on recent trends. Efforts should be made to preserve the current private health insurance system through comprehensive reforms that reduce cost and shift from public programs; control costs by competition, managed care, and global spending limits; and guarantee coverage for all groups. (SLD)

Discusses nonfinancial barriers to receiving medical care, including legal restrictions, geographic isolation and provider shortages, provider practices and policies, and personal circumstances. Suggests ways to reduce these barriers. These efforts should not wait for health care financing reforms, because nonfinancial barriers will continue even…

Reviews evidence about health care resources currently available to children and pregnant women in the United States. Evidence suggests that the maldistribution of resources remains a serious threat to health care access for women and children at greatest risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and child morbidity and mortality. (SLD)