CHA Statement on Omnibus Package

WASHINGTON, DC – “On behalf of the nation’s children’s hospitals, we are pleased to see the inclusion of multiple pediatric-focused policies in the Omnibus funding package. We thank lawmakers for their tireless work on the Omnibus as the 117th Congress comes to a close. Bipartisan congressional leaders chose to advance several items crucial to pediatric health for years to come. 

Critical wins for children’s health include: 

• Guarantees that every child enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, over 40 million children nationwide, will have 12 months of continuous, stable coverage when they enroll; 

• Appropriating $385 million for Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) Program; and

• CHIP reauthorization is extended until FY 2029.

“While we are grateful many children’s hospitals priorities are included in the Omnibus, we urge lawmakers to continue to prioritize children’s health in the new Congress. Specifically, congressional leaders must take significant action to expand and boost the vital CHGME program so children’s hospitals across the country are able to recruit, train and staff pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Retaining pediatric specialists is more important than ever as the ongoing “tripledemic” of RSV, flu and COVD-19 has stretched children’s hospitals’ resources to their limits. Moreover, while we applaud the initial bipartisan work done over the past year, more tangible actions must be taken to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis. Our children cannot wait. 

As always, children’s hospitals will remain steadfast advocates for pediatric health across the country and a resource for lawmakers in the 118th Congress.”