Knowledge of welfare reform program provisions among families of children with chronic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the knowledge of and application for health-related welfare program provisions among beneficiaries with children who have chronic conditions.


METHODS
We administered a survey to 143 parents of children aged 3 to 16 years with asthma or sickle cell anemia in 2 clinical settings.


RESULTS
Respondents indicated incomplete knowledge of work requirements (69.9%) and work exemptions (50.3%). Applications for work exemptions were rare, even among Supplemental Security Income recipients (30%).


CONCLUSIONS
Welfare beneficiaries with children who have chronic conditions show limited knowledge and use of program provisions, placing them at risk for penalties or benefit termination.
Smith
Lauren A
LA
Department of Pediatrics, Boston University of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. lauren_smith@bmc.org
Wise
Paul H
PH
Wampler
Nina S
NS
D000293:Adolescent; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell; D001249:Asthma; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000191:economics*; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D004608:Eligibility Determination; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008484:Medicaid / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011632:Public Assistance / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States