The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) submitted a statement for the record to urge Congress to prioritize policies that recognize the unique needs of children and the pediatric health care system as it considers health care affordability and reform.
CHA emphasized the central role of Medicaid in pediatric care, the urgent need to strengthen and sustain the pediatric workforce through programs like Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education, and the importance of addressing the youth mental health crisis through improved access and early intervention.
CHA also called for protecting key supports such as the 340B program, investing in pediatric research, and ensuring transparency policies are meaningful without adding unnecessary administrative burden.
Overall, CHA asked lawmakers to consider the significant financial and regulatory pressures facing children’s hospitals and to work collaboratively on policies that protect access, strengthen care delivery, and sustain a high‑quality pediatric health care system.