Reasons for Unmet Health Care Needs Among Black, Hispanic, and White Children in the United States With or at Risk for Physical and Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN)—ie, children who are at increased risk for, or currently manage, persistent physical and mental health conditions—require more health care resources than children without special health care needs. Furthermore, CSHCN who identify as racial/ethnic minorities disproportionately encounter unmet needs, according to reports from their caregivers. However, the reasons for their unmet needs are relatively unknown. This study estimated and compared the US national prevalence of caregiver-reported reasons for unmet health care needs for Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, and non-Hispanic white CSHCN. The most common reasons were problems getting an appointment for black CSHCN and cost for Hispanic and white CSHCN. Issues related to transportation were significantly less likely for black than for white and Hispanic CSHCN. Cost-related issues were significantly less likely for black than Hispanic CSHCN. To address reasons for unmet needs for CSHCN, effective structural changes are needed.