An examination of enrollment of children in public health insurance in New York City through facilitated enrollment.

A cohort of families was followed through the enrollment process for Medicaid and Child Health Plus in New York City to determine success in enrollment and the time it takes to enroll. Families were recruited into the study by enrollers in community-based organizations and managed-care organizations. In our sample, three of four families were successful in enrolling. On average, it took 60 days to attain insurance. Most applicants (76%) received some sort of assistance from enrollers, most frequently in determining which documents were needed (74%). In a multivariable analysis, some of the factors associated with success in enrollment included being assisted by a community-based facilitated enroller, knowledge of required documents, and having lost a child's other health insurance.