Children’s Hospital Association Statement on White House Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, President Biden released his federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2024. On behalf of over 200 children’s hospitals, Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) applauds the inclusion of provisions critical to maintaining the strength of the U.S. pediatric health care system.

In the budget, President Biden reaffirmed his administration's commitment to pediatric health care through provisions focused on: 

• Increasing resources to address the youth mental health national emergency. 
• Supporting the pediatric physician workforce through funding the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program. 
• Expanding nursing programs. 
• Ensuring a durable supply chain to prevent future disruptions so children have access to the care and medicines they need for their health and well-being.  

In the past year, President Biden prioritized bipartisan efforts to address the ongoing youth mental health national emergency. We are grateful for the increased awareness of this issue and as a next step, children need tangible change now. 

Beyond the youth mental health crisis, Congress must build on President Biden’s proposed budget, expanding the CHGME program. CHGME will provide funding to help recruit, train, and retain pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Investing in our pediatric workforce is critical to build capacity, cure illnesses and keep children healthy.

In the face of the current confluence of crises, we ask lawmakers to stabilize children’s health care coverage under Medicaid. A strong Medicaid program for children is also essential to address our pediatric health care workforce shortages.

Children deserve access to high-quality health care. As lawmakers work to determine the budget for this year, we look forward to working with Congress to invest in the future of pediatric care.