Comments on three articles (see records EJ733583, EJ733584, and EJ733585) on the status of children's mental health services in the United States, which appeared in the September 2005 issue of the "American Psychologist." The current authors suggest that, although this series of articles provides important information, the articles fall…

Examines the benefits which need to be included in a health care reform program to improve coverage for children and adolescents. Reviews three criteria (medical necessity, insurability, and cost effectiveness) that may be used to develop a benefits package and finds them of limited utility. Maintains that informed consensus is the most reliable…

This report discusses the quality of health care for children in light of national health care reform proposals put forth in 1994, and is based on presentations and discussions at an invitational workshop on maternal and child health. The report examines issues related to: (1) the differences between health care provision for children and adults;…

Health care reform needs to assure coverage to all children regardless of income level or illnesses; address benefits, financing, administration, and delivery systems; provide substantial subsidies to low-income families; be equitable for all people; provide better monitoring of child health; protect and strengthen health providers who assist…

Discusses the implications of the Medicare program's rate setting system on health care reform and considers whether such a procedure could be applied to a health insurance system that included children. Examines desirable characteristics of a provider payment system, special health needs of children, and hospital and physician payment issues.…

Examines the claimed advantages and potential disadvantages of managed care plans for children and pregnant women. Although available research does not support most claims that such plans reduce costs and improve care, managed care plans are growing and changing rapidly. Therefore, past experience with managed care may not be a good guide to…

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of an employer-based health insurance system and the effects of such a system on children. Examines employer decisions regarding coverage, financial limitations, insurer and health plan practices that affect the availability and continuity of coverage, and several new models for providing health insurance…

Estimated the number of Brazilian children under 14 whose mothers are HIV-positive, living with AIDS, or dead due to AIDS. Found that of the 210,150 children, 17,600 were HIV-positive Findings underscore the urgent need for new programs to increase the longevity of persons with AIDS and to decrease the likelihood of child displacement and severe…

This report discusses the health care needs of and benefits for women, children, and adolescents in light of national health care reform proposals put forth in 1994, and is based on presentations and discussions at an invitational workshop on maternal and child health. The report asserts that since women and children are disproportionately…

Although the Medicaid program has brought health insurance coverage to millions of poor children and their families, children continue to make up a disproportionately large share of uninsured Americans. Discusses the various national reform measures under consideration to expand health insurance coverage and contain the costs of such coverage,…

Describes the essential features of a health care system that can meet the special needs of children in out-of-home care. Discusses some of the major recent changes brought about by welfare and health care reform. Notes that it remains to be seen whether the quality of services will improve as a result of these reforms. (Author)

Although the child support enforcement program has been increasingly successful in obtaining health care coverage for children, changes in the labor market, family structure, health care delivery systems, and social welfare policy require new approaches to ensure that children obtain appropriate health care coverage. This report of the Medical…

Reviews the unique health care needs of children in the out-of-home care system and the standards developed over the past decade to deliver comprehensive health care services to this population. Raises key policy and practice questions for each standard to facilitate effective implementation of recommendations makes suggestions for future research…

Studies have shown that high blood cholesterol levels play a role in the development of coronary heart disease in adults, and that the process leading to atherosclerosis begins in childhood. To address the problem of high cholesterol levels in children, the Panel on Blood Cholesterol Levels recommends complementary approaches for individuals and…

This document examines the 10 essential attributes of primary health care contained in the U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau's definition of primary care. Primary care for children and adolescents is personal health care delivered in the context of family, culture, and community; the range of services meets all but the most uncommon health…