“The absence of these vital health care services may have lifelong consequences for these vulnerable children, and I call on states, pediatric providers, families, and schools to ensure children catch up,” CMS administrator Seema Verma said in a statement.
Among the findings:
— Early childhood vaccinations declined by 22%, or 1.7 million fewer immunizations for kids up to age 2.
— Time-sensitive screenings for cognitive or developmental problems fell by 44%.
— Even after accounting for increased use of telehealth, there were 6.9 million fewer mental health visits.
— Visits to dentists plunged by 69%.
