Low-income children miss regular doctor visits

Last year, 63 percent of children on Medicaid received at least one medical screening, a number that falls way below the Department of Health and Human Services' goal of 80 percent, according to a federal report. Child advocates note several factors contribute to this low percentage, including doctor shortages and parents' lack of awareness regarding the importance of doctor visits. Industry experts say states, and not the federal government, need to focus more on private Medicaid plans. Report (.pdf)