While children may be insured, health services may be inaccessible or inappropriately utilized. Those most likely to not access health insurance include families who believe they cannot afford health insurance; live in rural areas; cannot take time off from work because they are hourly wage earners; lack transportation; are non-English speakers; lack knowledge of the optimal schedule for well child check-ups or have special needs children who require specialty services. Public health works to help these families by coordinating with communities and providers to — let families know they may be eligible for health insurance, develop transportation options and special appointments for after hour care, find doctors to work in underserved areas and to inform businesses of child health insurance programs for workers without insurance.

Public health agencies work to help families understand and access health insurance for their children.

Figure 14: Parents' Reasons for Not Having Insurance Source: (Shenkman, Bono, 2002) Results From The statewide Children's Health Insurance Survey Phase 1: A report prepared for the Healthy Kids Board of Directors