HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR KIDS GOOD IN WV, BUT ...

(05/29/2008)
West Virginia is ahead of most other states when it comes to getting access to healthcare for children.

The Commonwealth Fund ranks West Virginia in the top one-fourth overall. West Virginia also had the highest ranking in providing specialty care to children.

But things change rapidly in the Mountain State once childhood ends.

Benefits and access fall dramatically, with the state being ranked near the bottom in health outcomes for adults.

The state ranks among the worse in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart trouble.

The Commonwealth report graded all 50 states on how many children have health insurance and the quality of medical care they receive.

West Virginia provides public health insurance for many of its children partly through agencies like Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program.