CHA Thanks Bipartisan Children’s Health Care Caucus for Convening First Briefing in 118th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Children’s Hospital Association was pleased to participate in the bipartisan Children’s Health Care Caucus’ first briefing on Capitol Hill in the 118th Congress. The briefing led by caucus co-chairs Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL) and John Joyce (R-PA), “Kids’ Health 101: The Essential Role of Medicaid and CHIP,” engaged with experts and congressional staff to discuss the essential roles health programs play in safeguarding kids’ access to health care, how Medicaid is uniquely designed to meet kids’ needs, and current challenges and opportunities to strengthen children’s health coverage. Nearly 42 million children, more than 50% of all children across the United States have health insurance coverage through Medicaid and CHIP.

The caucus is dedicated to building bipartisan support for ideas that improve children’s access to the highest quality health care. In attendance today was one family directly benefitting from access to high quality care, the Patel family. Parth Patel is doing well today after a traumatic brain injury from an automobile accident in India. His family discussed the critical role Medicaid has played in ensuring that Parth is able to get the medically complex care that he requires, as well as the unique support he and his family have received from Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital. The briefing featured expert speakers from leading health care organizations including Children’s Hospital Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). 

“The bipartisan Children’s Health Care Caucus has been educating members and staff for over 14 years with the help of children’s hospitals across the country. The strong bipartisan work of the Caucus has informed meaningful legislation to support children with complex medical needs and improve access to quality health care for our children. Today’s important briefing highlighted how Medicaid and CHIP are a lifeline for our children and their families, improving health and well-being while lowering costs and promoting equity,” said Rep. Castor. “I’m thankful to my co-chair Rep. John Joyce (PA-13) for his commitment to working across the aisle to save lives, expand critical research and ensure a healthy, successful future for our children.”

“Medicaid and CHIP play essential roles in ensuring that every child has access to the healthcare that will allow them to live full and healthy lives,” said Rep. Joyce. “Thank you to Congresswoman Castor and the Children’s Hospital Association for hosting this important discussion on ways to find bipartisan solutions to strengthen these critical programs.”

CHA thanks the caucus for holding the briefing. CEO Mark Wietecha added they are “an essential voice for children on Capitol Hill, playing an integral role in informing Congress about the importance of children’s health coverage and what makes children’s health care unique.” 

CHA is grateful to the caucus for their leadership on educating members and staff about the unique health care needs of children and the providers that take care of them. CHA stands ready to work with caucus members to advocate for the health of all children. We encourage all members of Congress to join the caucus to advocate for children’s health. For more information please visit: https://castor.house.gov/homepage/childrenshealth.htm