Children’s Hospital Association Opposes Actions That Limit Access to Care for Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to proposed conditions of participation and restrictions placed on Medicaid, as well as legislative proposals limiting Medicaid funding, Children’s Hospital Association CEO Matthew Cook released the following statement:

“The Children’s Hospital Association continues to advocate and stand for patients, families, and doctors who, together, decide what medical care is best. Medicaid provides families with access to quality care and is a lifeline for nearly 30 million children nationwide. Federal government regulations should not get in the way of parents and families accessing care, and providers must be free to provide medically necessary care without the threat of criminal charges or penalties.

“Imposing conditions of participation within Medicaid that seek to limit what kinds of medically necessary care can be provided to children sets a dangerous precedent for our children’s health. Today's proposed conditions make it possible for all kinds of specialized health care treatments to be withheld based on government-mandated rules and millions of families could lose access to the care they need.

“We urge Congress and the Administration to protect children’s access to care.”