Impact of Medicaid Enrollments on New Mexico's Immunization Program
Author Information
Author(s): Michael A. Schillaci, Howard Waitzkin, Tom Sharmen, Sandra J. Romain
Primary Institution: University of New Mexico
Hypothesis
How do changes in Medicaid enrollment levels affect childhood immunization rates in New Mexico?
Conclusion
New Mexico's immunization rates improved and then declined in relation to changes in Medicaid coverage, highlighting the importance of maintaining high Medicaid enrollment for childhood immunization levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunization rates in New Mexico increased from 63% to 83.5% between 2001 and 2004.
- New Mexico's immunization rates dropped from 15th to 46th in the nation after 2004.
- Statistically significant correlations were found between immunization rates and Medicaid enrollment levels.
Takeaway
This study found that when more families signed up for Medicaid, more kids got their shots. But when fewer families were enrolled, fewer kids got vaccinated.
Methodology
The study analyzed trends in childhood immunization rates relative to Medicaid enrollment among families receiving TANF in New Mexico, using data from state sources and the National Immunization Survey.
Potential Biases
The correlation based on aggregated data may produce biased estimates of individual-level correlation.
Limitations
The study could not assess individual-level effects of Medicaid enrollment on immunization coverage due to lack of specific data.
Participant Demographics
New Mexico has a high proportion of its population living in poverty and without health insurance, with children comprising 70.9% of total Medicaid enrollment.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.003 for the 4∶3∶1∶3∶3 series
Confidence Interval
±95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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