Trends in Avoidable Hospitalizations for Children in Florida from 1992 to 2003

Abstract

This article examines trends in avoidable hospitalizations to determine whether improved access following post-1997 Balanced Budget Act expansions in public health insurance programs resulted in a decreased rate among affected populations, particularly children of ages 0-19 years. Florida inpatient discharge data sets from 1992 to 2003 were compiled in order to analyze trends using descriptive and linear regression methods. The rate of avoidable hospitalizations for children was subsequently compared to that of adults (ages 20-64 years) to assess relative changes. The rate declined significantly for black and other nonwhite children. Based on age, the declines were concentrated in the subgroups for ages 0-1 year, 5-9 years, and 10-14 years. In contrast, the rate for adults, with the exception of nonwhite and black populations, increased. The decline in the overall rate of avoidable hospitalizations for children indicates that increased expenditures related to the expansions were at least partially offset. However, the trend could not be directly attributed to the Balanced Budget Act.