This study published in Health Affairs found that spending on children under Medicaid and CHIP is highly concentrated, highlighting the importance of cost containment strategies designed to reduce the burden of chronic illnesses.  Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), the study found that 10 percent of child enrollees—67 percent of whom have chronic conditions—account for 72 percent of spending on children while 30 percent of enrolled children receive little or no care.

Kenney, G.M., Ruhter, J. & Seldon, T.M. (2009). Containing costs and improving care for children in Medicaid and CHIP. Health Affairs, 28(6): w1025-36. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.6.w1025. http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/short/hlthaff.28.6.w1025

Authors: Genevieve M. Kenney, Joel Ruhter, & Thomas M. Selden