OPEN MINDS Research Finds More Than Half Of Foster Children Enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care

Gettysburg, Pa. (January 31, 2016) —A recent OPEN MINDS analysis, “How Many Foster Care Children Are Enrolled In Medicaid Managed Care,” found that 54% of foster children in the U.S. are enrolled in Medicaid managed care. The analysis reviewed the policies of each state in the U.S. with regard to health care coverage under Medicaid for foster care and their enrollment. The policies range from mandatory enrollment in Medicaid managed care to prohibition of enrollment in Medicaid managed care.

The study also found that the number and proportion of foster children enrolled in Medicaid managed care varies significantly by state and identified states where policies were soon to change. “Children and youth in the foster care system experience high levels of trauma, high rates of chronic physical and mental health conditions, and higher rates of hospitalization and readmissions,” said OPEN MINDS Executive Vice President Sarah C. Threnhauser. “This means that Medicaid managed care systems need to work to develop a model of care that takes into account these complex needs – including intense care coordination, medication monitoring, and a focus on trauma-informed care. For the provider organizations within those managed care systems, there is an opportunity to customize services to meet the needs of this population.”

For a summary of the report, check out the article, New Analysis Finds More Than Half Of Foster Children Enrolled In Medicaid Managed Care, available at no cost to the public. The OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence Report, “How Many Foster Care Children Are Enrolled In Medicaid Managed Care?,” provides details about each of the three eligibility categories. Additionally, the report answers a number of important questions, including:

1. How Do States Deliver Medicaid Benefits To Children In The Foster Care System?
2. Which States Require Children In Foster Care To Be Enrolled In Medicaid Managed Care?
3. What States Are Planning To Move Foster Care Children To Managed Care?
4. How Many Children In Foster Care Are Enrolled In Medicaid Managed Care?

Published weekly by OPEN MINDS’ team of experts, the Market Intelligence Reports are provided as a free resource to Premium & Elite members of the OPEN MINDS Circle. Click here for details on how to become a premium or Elite member. The reports are also available for purchase to non-members in the OPEN MINDS store by clicking here.

OPEN MINDS is a national strategic advisory firm specializing in the sectors of the health and human service industry serving individuals with complex support needs: mental health; addiction treatment; children & family services; intellectual & developmental disabilities; chronic disease management; long term care; social services; correctional health care, reentry & diversion; and juvenile justice.

Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 75+ associates believe by providing the latest market intelligence and management best practices to organizations serving the health and social support needs of the most vulnerable consumers, those organizations will be better able to provide efficient and effective services. Learn more at www.openminds.com.

For additional questions and inquiries, please contact Tim Snyder, Vice President, Marketing, OPEN MINDS at 717-334-1329 or openminds@openminds.com.