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NORC at the University Chicago

Pediatric Private Duty Nursing in Medicaid

A young girl wearing a pink sweater and headscarf sits on a sofa, holding a plush toy while a smiling female doctor talks with her. A warm, supportive medical consultation at home.
Analyzing pediatric PDN service use across 11 key Medicaid markets
  • Client
    Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health
  • Dates
    August 2025 – October 2025

Problem

Angels of Care sought data to inform strategic expansion of pediatric private duty nursing services.

Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health wanted to better understand the use of private duty nursing (PDN) services for children under age 21. Angels of Care aimed to identify opportunities for strategic growth and improved service delivery in 11 key states as they navigated complex Medicaid systems and respond to shifting policy environments that affect access to home- and community-based services.

Solution

NORC conducted a multi-state analysis of Medicaid claims data for pediatric PDN services.

NORC used CMS’s Medicaid Data Quality (DQ) Atlas to assess the reliability of claims data across 11 states and selected appropriate years for analysis based on data completeness. The team then analyzed Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) data to estimate PDN census and utilization rates, including demographic breakdowns and managed care enrollment. NORC also examined the average number of paid PDN hours per child and the use of related services such as home health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The analysis was designed to provide actionable insights for Angels of Care’s strategic planning and to support informed decision-making in managed care contracting and service delivery.

Result

NORC’s state-level insights support Angels of Care’s mission to deliver high-quality pediatric care and inform broader efforts to strengthen Medicaid-funded services for vulnerable populations.

NORC produced detailed summary tables for each state, highlighting PDN utilization patterns and methodological considerations. These findings will inform Angels of Care’s strategic decisions. The data will help the organization understand service gaps, assess market potential, and anticipate policy changes that may impact pediatric PDN delivery. By providing high-quality, policy-relevant research, NORC supports Angels of Care’s efforts to expand access to care and improve outcomes for children with complex medical needs.

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