The March of Dimes is disturbed by the finding that less than one-quarter of the very low birthweight babies enrolled in Medicaid in South Carolina received appropriate follow-up care for serious vision, hearing, and speech impairments after they left the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These tiny babies are vulnerable first because of their health problems, and second because of their economic situation. Medicaid covers more than 40 percent of all births in the United States. Although this study was conducted in only one state, and is based on data gathered from 1996 to 1998, the negative effects of this “follow-up gap” for the smallest, sickest babies are potentially widespread.
The March of Dimes will work with states to advance and support appropriate follow up and treatment programs. On the federal level, we will be working with Congress to ensure that the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act of 2007 makes it possible to address this problem of babies at risk for developing lifelong hearing and other disabilities.
“Population-Based Assessments of Ophthalmologic and Audiologic Follow-up in Children With Very Low Birth Weight Enrolled in Medicaid: A Quality-of-Care Study,” was led by Jason Wang, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor at Boston University Schools of Medicine. Dr. Wang and his team reviewed the records of 2,182 children born in South Carolina, focusing on how hearing and vision loss were managed after the babies were discharged from the hospital. Only 20 percent of infants who could have benefited from hearing rehabilitation services received them by 6 months of age, and only 23 percent received routine vision exams between ages 1 and 2.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies(SM), the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
