Historic Rate of Insurance for Children

Public Coverage for Children

The Importance of Medicaid and CHIP Percentage of US children who rely on public coverage

The Benefits of Medicaid Medicaid helps children grow up to reach their full potential. Children enrolled in Medicaid: Medicaid has also contributed to declines in infants and child mortality

The Cost of Children in Medicaid

Concerns with New Funding Proposals Block grants or per capita caps will: Shifts costs to states Not automatically increase federal funding during economic downturns or public health crises Mean that states won’t be able to make up shortfalls Could result in: Decreased eligibility levels Work requirements Loss of EPSDT Winners and losers amongst current Medicaid populations Wait lists Increased cost-sharing for families

Why CHIP is Not a Model for Medicaid 70 million (Medicaid) vs. 8 million (CHIP) States get more matching funds for CHIP than Medicaid CHIP is not an entitlement and not permanent The goal of a Medicaid block grant is to reduce spending—not to improve or expand coverage Some states have CHIP paid for 100% by the federal government

How AAP Evaluates Coverage Proposals AAP Endorsed Principles on Access Every child should receive care in a medical home with a primary care pediatrician and access to pediatric subspecialists. Quality health care is a right, regardless of income, for all children, their families, pregnant women, and ultimately all individuals. Every child must have quality health insurance. Plans should have a comprehensive age appropriate benefits. Payment rates should assure that children receive all needed services. So… Two Key Questions for Every Proposal Does every child maintain access to coverage (entitlement)? Does every child maintain access to medically necessary care (EPSDT)?