Children with Special Needs in the Military Health System

Since 1997, Mathematica has conducted analysis and reporting for an annual health care survey of adults eligible for military health care. The survey measures their perceptions of their health status; use of services and insurance; access to care; satisfaction with care; attitudes about the military health system; and enrollment in TRICARE Prime, the military's HMO. We also examine parents' experiences with their children’s health care, particularly health status and special needs.

We develop the databases used for analysis, prepare reports and documentation, and conduct studies on the survey data. The results are presented in an interactive report-card format on the web. Each quarter, TRICARE Consumer Watch summarizes important results from the most recent adult survey for each region and service affiliation. The exhibits present TRICARE beneficiaries' experiences with their health care and health plan and utilization rates for preventive services. In addition, each quarter, the Consumer Watch contains a special report on a specific aspect of health care affecting TRICARE beneficiaries.

Using information from the year 2000 survey, we are investigating factors that affect service use by children with special health care needs who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime. We analyzed data collected about children’s health status and special needs as reported by their parents and examined the amount and types of health care used by children with special needs.

The study is being conducted for the Office of TRICARE Management Activity (TMA), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs).

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