Kids Rely on Medicaid

Kids Rely on Medicaid

Medicaid helps our kids lead better lives, and it’s a smart investment in the nation's future.
Download
policy_kids_rely_medicaid_fact_sheet

Medicaid is a lifeline. It covers kids in every state, from every background. It provides affordable coverage to children in lower-income families and to kids with special health care needs. This federal-state partnership is the largest source of children's health care coverage in the U.S.

Medicaid was designed with kids in mind

Medicaid provides children access to a comprehensive set of services through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. This benefit ensures Medicaid covers the preventive services all kids need—things like immunizations, well-child checkups, and vision and dental services. What's more, one in three children in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have behavioral health needs that can be treated earlier in part thanks to EPSDT. Medicaid also covers medically necessary care, so children can see a pediatric specialist or get the therapy they need.

Medicaid steps up for kids when they need it most

Most of our nation's sickest children get coverage through Medicaid. For kids born with or who develop serious medical conditions, Medicaid provides coverage or fills coverage gaps for services not covered by private insurance. No one plans for kids to get sick, but thankfully Medicaid is a safety net for all our children.

Medicaid helps our kids reach their full potential

Medicaid helps kids grow into healthy and productive adults. Compared to uninsured children, those covered by Medicaid are more likely to have better health outcomes as adults, with higher school attendance and academic achievement. This leads to greater resiliency and success in careers and life.

Kids with Medicaid rely on children's hospitals

Children's hospitals are at the core of the health care delivery system for children, bringing together teams of specialists to provide care not available in any other setting. Since they serve children from many states, children's hospitals must coordinate with multiple state Medicaid programs.

Medicaid is vital for kids' health

Medicaid funding ensures children's hospitals are able to be there for all children. On average, Medicaid reimburses children's hospitals only 80% of the cost of care provided—even including all supplemental payments. Although there is room for improvement, continued investment in Medicaid is critical to children's health and our nation's future.

Hand

Contact Us

For more information, connect with us.

(202) 753-5328

About Children's Hospital Association

Children’s Hospital Association is the national voice of more than 200 children’s hospitals, advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care.

Related Content

Children's Hospital Association's 2024 End of Year Letter to Congress

The letter highlights CHA's end of year priorities and asks Congress to take action to sustain children’s hospitals’ ability to provide care to our nation’s children.

Nov. 20, 2024

CHA Submits Comments for 2025 OPPS and PFS Proposed Rules

CHA highlighted pediatric considerations in response to certain provisions within the proposed rules, which could have a downstream impact on Medicaid.

Sep. 19, 2024

Governors’ FY 2025 Proposed Funding for Pediatric Behavioral Health Initiatives

CHA has completed a review of governors’ proposed fiscal year (FY) 2025 state budgets to track proposals to fund pediatric behavioral health initiatives.

June 28, 2024