Journal article
Washington state foster care: dental utilization and expenditures
Journal of public health dentistry, Vol.74(2), pp.93-101
03/01/2014
DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12027
PMID: 23889590
Abstract
Objectives To identify factors associated with dental utilization and expenditures for children enrolled in Washington State (WA) foster care (FC). Methods This cross-sectional study used 2008 Medicaid enrollment and claims files for children ages <18 years enrolled in the WA FC program for 11 months (N=10,177). Regression models were used to examine associations between utilization and expenditures and sex, race, age group, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (i.e., disability), substance abuse, behavior problems, placement setting (Foster Home Care, Kinship Care, Group Care, Other), and urbanicity. Results Only 43 percent of the children utilized any dental care; the adjusted mean expenditure was $198.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) $181.35, $215.36]. Fewer utilized diagnostic (41 percent), preventive (39 percent), restorative (11 percent), or complex (5 percent) services. Associated with utilization (P0.01) were: female [ARR=1.05, 95% CI(1.01, 1.10)]; 0-2 years [ARR=0.18, 95% CI(0.15, 0.21)], [3-5 years ARR=0.78, 95% CI(0.74, 0.83)]; Native American [ARR=0.85, 95% CI(0.80, 0.91)]; SSI [ARR=1.10, 95% CI(1.04, 1.17)]; Kinship Care [ARR=0.94, 95% CI(0.90, 0.98)]; Group Care [ARR=1.25 95% CI(1.15, 1.37)]; and urban/rural urbanicity with population <20K [ARR=1.20 95% CI(1.12, 1.30)]. Associated with expenditures (P<0.05) were: ages 0-2 years [-$153.66, 95% CI(-$168.33, -$139.00)], 3-5 years [-$98.71, 95% CI(-$116.78, -$80.65)], 6-11 years [-$16.83 95% CI(-$33.52, -$0.14)]; African American [-$32.05 95% CI(-$47.99, -$16.12)]; Kinship Care [$28.57 95% CI($14.00, $43.15)]. Conclusions Most children enrolled in WA FC for 11 months during 2008 did not receive dental care. Research is needed to determine the level of unmet need among children in FC and interventions to improve access to oral health of the children. Enforcement of existing federal legislation is needed.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Washington state foster care: dental utilization and expenditures
- Creators
- Molly L. R. Melbye - Univ Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USADonald L. Chi - University of WashingtonPeter Milgrom - University of WashingtonColleen E. Huebner - University of WashingtonDavid Grembowski - University of Washington
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of public health dentistry, Vol.74(2), pp.93-101
- Publisher
- Wiley
- DOI
- 10.1111/jphd.12027
- PMID
- 23889590
- ISSN
- 0022-4006
- eISSN
- 1752-7325
- Number of pages
- 9
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/01/2014
- Academic Unit
- Public Policy Center (Archive)
- Record Identifier
- 9984283702102771
Metrics
7 Record Views