Improving access to behavioral health care for children with special needs through Medicaid enrollment
Reducing Behavioral Health Disparities among Children with Special Needs: The Role of Medicaid Automatic Enrollment
['FUNDING_R01'] · RAND CORPORATION · NIH-10831098
This study looks at how automatically signing up kids with special health care needs for Medicaid can help them get the mental health support they need, especially for those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and it aims to find out what challenges these families face in getting that care.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RAND CORPORATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SANTA MONICA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10831098 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how automatic enrollment in Medicaid can help reduce behavioral health disparities among children with special health care needs, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. It aims to identify barriers these families face in accessing necessary behavioral health services and evaluate the effectiveness of policies that streamline Medicaid enrollment. By focusing on early identification and treatment, the research seeks to improve health outcomes for these children over their lifetimes. The study will analyze existing data to understand the impact of insurance coverage on service utilization and health disparities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years with special health care needs, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have special health care needs or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to behavioral health services for children with special needs, ultimately enhancing their overall health and well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While there is mixed evidence regarding the impact of general insurance expansions on health disparities, previous studies have shown that policies like automatic Medicaid enrollment can increase coverage rates, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
SANTA MONICA, UNITED STATES
- RAND CORPORATION — SANTA MONICA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RENNANE, STEPHANIE — RAND CORPORATION
- Study coordinator: RENNANE, STEPHANIE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.