Children in Health Reform: What’s at Stake? Jocelyn Guyer Center for Children and Families ccf.georgetown.edu – www.theccfblog.org

The Process

Where We Are HOUSE All 3 House committees have passed bills Leadership is finalizing the combined bill Floor debate is expected by the end of the month SENATE Both Senate committees have passed bills Leadership is beginning the process of merging the bills

Key Issues for Kids AFFORDABILITY Given the difficult economic times and the rising cost of health care, it is more important than ever that health reform provide affordable coverage to children and families. Despite some improvements in the latest versions of the bills, concerns remain that coverage will be out of reach for many families. For example, a single mother of two, with a family income of $55,000 could pay up to $14,325 (or 26% of income) in premiums and cost sharing under the Senate Finance Committee plan.

CHILD-SPECIFIC BENEFITS Key Issues for Kids CHILD-SPECIFIC BENEFITS All children need coverage that meets their unique developmental needs and provides them with the preventive services and the care needed to launch them on a better trajectory in life. Good News: Benefit packages include primary and preventive care, as well as “specialty” care such as dental, vision, and mental health coverage. Bad News: The scope of coverage for benefits is unknown. Some services, especially those for children with special health care needs (e.g., equipment) are missing.

FUTURE OF MEDICAID & CHIP Key Issues for Kids FUTURE OF MEDICAID & CHIP Medicaid and CHIP should continue to serve as a safe, secure home for children’s coverage until the new system is up and running and can guarantee that children will receive comparable benefits at an affordable price.