Last week, Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced a bill called the “MediKids Act” (S. 5037), described as “guaranteed healthcare for every child in America.” Original cosponsors were Sens. Booker (NJ), Duckworth (IL), Lujan (NM) and Padilla (CA) – all Democrats and the bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
As regular readers of the SayAhhh! Health Policy Blog know, there were 4.6 million uninsured children in the United States in 2024, and that number is likely going up due to the sharp declines currently happening in child Medicaid/CHIP enrollment. The MediKids Act is designed to make uninsured children a thing of the past in the United States.
It’s a simple construct – two years after the bill is enacted, all people under age 26 residing in the United States would become eligible for Medicaid and receive Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) comprehensive benefits. States would be required to enroll babies automatically at birth. Parents and guardians could opt their children out of Medicaid if they have other creditable coverage. The federal government would cover100% of the costs for the newly eligible children and young adults.
I have been working on access to health care for children and families for many decades now. The U.S. has made enormous progress, but it is in fits and starts – and then setbacks occur. My patience is running thin. It is morally unacceptable to have uninsured children in the United States, and it makes no economic sense either – for the country as a whole or for parents who bear heavy costs when they decide to have a child.
I believe, of course, that all Americans should have access to affordable health insurance, but can’t we at least make uninsured children a thing of the past sooner rather than later?