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Many studies have shown a link between access to health care, quality of care, and type of insurance. Government-sponsored insurance such as the state run Medicaid program take much longer to approve treatment recommended by a doctor.
In fact, delays occur in scheduling appointments, diagnosis of the problem, and treatment, too. These delays have been reported by patients trying to see a physical therapist, get a vaccination, or even obtain a simple X-ray.
A recent study in California showed major delays in authorization and actual delivery of braces for children covered by Medicaid. The type of brace made a difference. More expensive trunk braces that cost four time more than ankle braces also took four times as long to get Medicaid approval.
Improving health care delivery for children is an important goal. Finding ways to streamline the authorization process may be a good place to start.
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