Access to healthcare improves the quality of life of children

Article Outline

• Copyright

Seid et al have prospectively studied a cohort of children in the California State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Over a 2-year period of follow-up, they showed that access to healthcare was positively related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Episodes of not receiving care were reduced following enrolment in SCHIP but were associated with significantly reduced HRQOL by both parent and child report. The results of this study have important implications for health policy.