Because they are growing and developing, children have a distinct set of health care needs that evolve over time and differ from those of adults. Moreover, while as a group children are relatively healthy, one in seven has special health care needs. Given that under reform, many children will be covered through private plans and some children who are currently covered through public programs may be shifted to private plans, it is particularly important to consider how well private plans might meet children’s health care needs.  A key question for children is what coverage standards will be applied to these private plans under reform.