Demographics of military dependent children and adolescents: Projected patient population shift

The United States government provides health care for one of the largest beneficiary populations in the world. Approximately 796,500 (35%) of the 2.27 million dependent children of uniformed services personnel are adolescents (13 to 19 years old). Although the majority of dependent children are dependents of active duty personnel (74.7%), close to half of the adolescents (47.7%) are dependents of retired personnel. Recent geopolitical world changes and a perceived decreased threat to national security have led to a planned 25% reduction of the active duty force by 1996. The mean age of children beneficiaries will rise as a result. Pediatricians in the military and civilian contract physicians need to prepare for increased health care of older pediatric patients, particularly adolescents.