Policies to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in child health and health care.
This paper reviews recent reports that demonstrate disparities in health care for children and current federal efforts to eliminate them. Instead of simply describing disparities, this paper also presents recommendations that can reduce disparities. By reviewing current problems, practices, and recommendations in health care coverage, quality, and provider training, the author maps out a plan for reducing disparities in child health that complements existing efforts. The fragmentation of current and proposed initiatives would benefit from an oversight body based at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that would monitor progress and coordinate efforts for eliminating disparities.
Beal
Anne C
AC
Commonwealth Fund in New York City, USA. acb@cmwf.org
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D005006:Ethnicity; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D017057:Medically Uninsured; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D044469:Racial Groups; D012935:Social Justice; D014481:United States