The Impact of Health Insurance Gaps on Access to Care Among Children with Asthma in the United States

Achieving and maintaining asthma control in inner-city children

“…Previous studies have shown that a lack of insurance affects asthma outcomes. [35][36][37] However, lack of insurance was not a significant factor in achieving or maintaining WCA for subjects in this study, which may be attributed to the programs minimizing major economic barriers associated with being uninsured. Despite significant improvement in asthma control from program enrollment, maintenance of WCA was highly variable and affected by several factors.…”

The Impact Of Parental Job Loss On Children’s Health Insurance Coverage

“…10,19 Still others have shown that even short gaps in coverage lead to poorer outcomes. 8,9 Hence, maintaining health care coverage through transitions in life, such as parental job loss, is important for optimal health care and outcomes.…”

Don't Leave Without Them: Dispensing asthma medications to pediatric patients upon discharge is associated with decreased hospital readmissions

“…As previously discussed, pediatric asthmatics may be at increased risk to encounter barriers to obtaining the prescription medications they need to prevent exacerbations. 1,[10][11][12][13] Patients who utilize the OPP are able to avoid several of these barriers. The OPP is easily accessible to those already on the hospital campus, and is open into the evenings and during the day on weekends to accommodate patients discharged at those times.…”

“…[14][15][16][17][18] Delays in obtaining medication could lead to non-adherence, uncontrolled asthma, and readmissions. 13,16 Pharmacists can play a pivotal role in the prevention of morbidity and mortality due to asthma. 19 Education and management of asthmatics by pharmacists has been shown to improve inhaler technique and medication adherence, leading to better asthma control and reduced ED and IP admissions.…”