This study examined access to health care among rural children ages 0-17 who are enrolled in some type of Medicaid managed care program, and compared this access across types of programs and, within program type, to that of urban beneficiaries. Access to care was assessed by means of a mailed survey sent to the parents of Medicaid children in four states chosen for their geographic diversity. Questions focused on such issues as the ability to find a participating healthcare provider within a reasonable distance, coordination of care concerning services such as specialty care that are more likely to be located in urban areas, use of dental services, and transportation problems.

Publications

• Rural and Urban Parents Report on Access to Health Care for Their Children With Medicaid Managed Care
  North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center
  Date: 12/2005
  This study considers rural beneficiaries' perspectives to broaden understanding of whether Medicaid-managed care programs provide acceptable access to healthcare services for children.