Title V coverage varies across states for diabetes

(HealthDay)—There is significant state by state variation in Title V medical coverage for children with diabetes, according to a study published in the April issue of The Journal of Pediatrics.

To examine variation by state in Title V eligibility for children with diabetes, Peter M. Wolfgram, M.D., from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and colleagues surveyed program directors of Title V programs to compare eligibility and coverage of care in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.

The researchers found that, in 32 states, children with diabetes were eligible for Title V programs, with type 1 and type 2 diabetes covered in most of these states. Arkansas and Wyoming limited coverage to children receiving insulin. Coordination of care and referral systems for children with diabetes were provided in all 32 states. Medical coverage and care coordination was provided by 26 states. Visits with a medical provider and insulin were covered by all of these states and 24 of them also covered diabetes supplies. Eligibility for programs was based on the family's relationship to the federal poverty limit (varying from 185 to 300 percent). Ten state programs had higher federal poverty limits for eligibility than the State Children's Health Insurance Program or Medicaid. Cost participation by families was required by nine states, and nine states also capped coverage.

"We found significant state-to-state variability in Title V medical coverage across all U.S. states," the authors write. "This results in a patchwork safety net for children with chronic disease, which may have an impact on future health outcomes."