Healthcare Quality and Access for Children and Youth in Foster Care by Delivery System
Using Medicaid claims from 40 states and Washington D.C., this study examined outcomes for children and youth in foster care (CYFC). Findings show that managed care plans—in particular specialized plans—outperformed fee-for-service (FFS) in receipt of preventive services, behavioral health follow-up, and chronic condition treatment.
Medicaid covers nearly all CYFC, yet delivery models vary widely across states. CYFC experience high rates of chronic and behavioral health conditions, making access to timely, coordinated care essential.
The Elevance Health Public Policy Institute engaged KNG Health Consulting to analyze 2021–2022 Medicaid claims and enrollment data for more than 530,000 CYFC across the U.S. The study found that managed care outperformed FFS across key measures including higher rates of well-child visits, and preventive dental care, greater follow-up after hospitalizations, and better asthma treatment. Specialized plans delivered the strongest results, underscoring opportunities for states to strengthen quality and continuity of care through tailored managed care models.
Related Public Policy Research
Enhancing a System of Care for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in Foster Care
Medicaid MCOs offer states a whole person approach for children in foster care that emphasizes safety, permanency, and stability and improves the overall system of care.
Improving Psychotropic Medication Use Among Children in Foster Care
From 2014 through 2017, Amerigroup Georgia lowered the number of prescriptions filled per 1,000 children by 3 percent for all psychotropic medications and by 8 percent for antipsychotics.
Health homes, in partnership with MCOs, improve coordination, implement a child- and family-centered approach, and offer help with navigating multiple agencies and delivery systems.
Subscribe
Keep up with our latest news, research, and stories.
Subscribe to financial alerts on our investors site