Access to Health Care for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs in Kansas: A Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) in the United States, health care services for this population remain insufficient. Prior studies have documented disparities in both access to and quality of care. We aimed to evaluate health care access and barriers among CYSHCN in Kansas. Methods: Using data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), we conducted a retrospective, quasi-experimental analysis of health care access and barriers among 1,696 Kansas households. Children were classified as having special health care needs based on diagnoses across 24 specified conditions. Results: (1, n = 1696) = 5.29; p = 0.021; OR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.96). Conclusions: While CYSHCN in Kansas generally reports adequate health care access, important barriers remain. Efforts to improve access to specialty care, reduce costs, and enhance insurance coverage are essential to improving care for this vulnerable population.