One in five children under age 18 have special health care needs, representing 15 million children from birth to 21. Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) include those who have chronic physical, developmental, or behavioral health needs that require services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. With additional need for services and elevated costs, health coverage is very important for CSHCN and their families.
Nearly half of CSHCN are covered by Medicaid and/or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), making it a lifeline for them and their families. Medicaid covers a wide range of medical and long-term services and supports, many of which are not covered at all or available only in limited amounts through private insurance. Coverage for these services is essential for keeping children with complex and chronic needs living at home with their families, in their communities.
H.R.1 (OBBBA) legislation passed last year directly puts this comprehensive Medicaid coverage at risk. Justice for CSHCN and their families will require policymakers to keep Medicaid stable and strong.
Speakers:
- Elisabeth Wright Burak, Senior Fellow, Georgetown Center for Children and Families (moderator)
- Kay Johnson, President, Johnson Policy Consulting
- Dr. Kimá Joy Taylor, Founder, Anka Consulting
- Kasey Dudley, Director, Parents as Champions, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
- Dr. Allysa Ware, Executive Director, Family Voices
- Caitlin Feasby, Managing Director of Policy, Groundwork Ohio
Download the Presentation Slides
Resources:
- A Brief History of the Politics of Child Disabilities – Kay Johnson
- Medicaid Helps Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CCF)
- Medicaid Helps Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CCF)
- 5 Key Facts About Children with Special Health Care Needs and Medicaid (KFF)
- Medicaid Provides Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Developmental Delays (CCF)
- H.R.1 Explainer: Medicaid, CHIP, and Affordable Care Act Marketplace Cuts and Other Health Provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Law, Explained (CCF)
- Work Reporting Requirements Hub (CCF)
- Medicaid Expansion States (KFF)
This webinar is apart of a larger series, Medicaid Connections.