MIAMI (AP) — Millions of children on Medicaid are not getting legally required medical screenings, including immunizations.

A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general found that 2.7 million children in nine states did not receive those services and crucial hearing and vision screenings in 2007.
Doctors say regular check ups are especially important for low-income children who are at higher risk for obesity, depression and poor cognitive development.

Child advocates say many families have trouble getting appointments as fewer doctors accept Medicaid because of low reimbursement rates. The studied states are Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois,

Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.