On Wednesday, April 13, Georgetown CCF’s Executive Director Joan Alker testified before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on lessons emerging from the Flint water crisis. Here are the highlights of the hearing.

Joan Alker explains the vital role of Medicaid in ameliorating harm in times of crisis…

and how Medicaid can help meet the health needs of Flint’s children and  families. She pointed out that Medicaid’s comprehensive pediatric benefit (Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment or EPSDT) is essential. Medicaid statute requires coverage of lab tests, including lead blood level assessments, and once a problem is identified the EPSDT benefit requires that treatment be provided. Alker recommended improving the lead screening rates in Medicaid.

Joan testified alongside Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician who discovered that the city’s children had high blood lead levels. Dr. Hanna-Attisha discussed the long term effects of lead poisoning and the steps that must be taken to mitigate them….

Nick Lyon, Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services answered Rep. Kathy Kastor’s (D-FL) question on holding the Medicaid managed care plans accountable to ensure they provide the necessary screenings and collect important data  …

And Dr. Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at HHS, discussed the steps her team has taken to mitigate the effects of lead exposure in Flint. She also said there is a low screening rate for kids and would like to see universal screening so we can have an early warning system in place.  Dr. Lurie praised Medicaid as a “terrific solution” as it includes case management, behavioral and development services and transportation for people who have difficulty getting their health care providers.