Today, First Focus Campaign for Children, joined by more than 340 organizations, sent the following letter to Members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate urging them to reject proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) because of the detrimental impact they will have on children’s health and well-being
Excerpt from the letter:
The health and wellness of caregivers, both mental and physical, also plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal development and well-being of infants and children. Medicaid covers 23% of nonelderly adults with mental illness, many of whom are parents, highlighting the importance of mental health support for caregivers. Additionally, Medicaid/CHIP provide maternal health care coverage. For instance, 48 states and D.C. now provide 12 months of postpartum coverage in Medicaid/CHIP, which supports new mothers during a critical period for their and their children’s mental and physical health. However, infant and maternal health and well-being programs currently receive well under 1% of the share of federal funding. This number is already inadequate to address the challenges that these populations face, and any further cuts would result in increased rates of infant and maternal mortality. By maintaining and enhancing Medicaid/CHIP, we can help ensure that every child can grow up strong, healthy, and prepared for the future. Rather than cut these programs, Congress should instead work to strengthen, protect, and make investments in Medicaid/CHIP to ensure that all children, regardless of their background or health care needs, have access to the care they deserve. We urge you to reject policies that will result in cuts to Medicaid and CHIP.