Economic Turmoil and Craniofacial Care: The Impact of a National Recession on Children with Cleft Lip/Palate

Economic Turmoil and Craniofacial Care: The Impact of a National Recession on Children with Cleft Lip/Palate Public Deposited

Last Modified

Creator

Eggleston, Allison Cavenaugh
- Affiliation: School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract

This study describes the impact of the recent economic recession on family financial security and health care access, with respect to multidisciplinary craniofacial treatment. Recruitment via a cleft/craniofacial parent website/email included English literate U.S. respondents with internet access, who were parents/legal guardians of a child (<18y.o.) with cleft lip and/or palate. A survey linked to the AmeriFace® website (October 2010-January 2011) collected 207 eligible responses; economic effects and perceived barriers to care were queried. Reduced income (48%), transportation costs (52%), and decreased work flexibility (35%) directly affected access to craniofacial care. Insurance premiums and co-pays/deductibles were perceived barriers independent of the economy (45% and 53%, respectively); however, the recession was seen to increase their impact (57% and 61%, respectively) and 12% lost insurance benefits entirely. Despite most participants being affluent, well-educated, and White, significant barriers to obtaining craniofacial care not only exist but have increased due to the recent economic recession.

Date of publication