A Primer on Value-based Strategies for Improving Financing of Care for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Value-based purchasing and value-based insurance design are gaining increasing attention as strategies for reducing health care spending and improving health outcomes – “value” being the operative concept. However, there is not enough evidence to date regarding the effectiveness of these strategies; what does exist is primarily focused on interventions impacting adults. This primer focuses on opportunities to increase value in spending on health services for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) through select alternative payment mechanisms and delivery innovations, and potential roles for Title V and family leaders in these efforts.