Health
Health care is critical for children’s growth and development. The federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid provide quality, affordable care for millions of children who would otherwise be uninsured. Thanks largely to CHIP, the rate of uninsurance among children has dropped to record lows, and First Focus is committed to protecting this success story.
Resources
Congress Must Protect TANF in debt ceiling talks
Cara Baldari, First Focus Campaign for Children | May 16, 2023 |
Extensive research shows that tax credits and cash transfers influence positive parent-child interactions, improve child development outcomes, and have a bigger impact than any …
Letter: Reducing “ghost networks” in mental health services for children
| May 15, 2023 |
First Focus on Children sent the following letter to Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Mike Crapo, chair and ranking member of the Senate Finance …
The climate crisis is not tomorrow’s problem
Abbie Malloy | April 19, 2023 |
Earth Day comes around this Saturday, April 22, and one thing is clear: The climate crisis is not tomorrow’s problem. Children today, in every …
What Does the IPCC Report Mean for Our Children?
Abbie Malloy | April 11, 2023 |
For children around the world, the situation is already dire. Children are not just small adults – their behaviors and physiology mean that they’re more susceptible to nearly every adverse effect of the climate crisis.
Policy Brief: The Harmful Consequences of Work Requirements and Other Obstacles to Services for Children and Families
Abbie Malloy, Abuko Estrada, Averi Pakulis, Cara Baldari, Michelle Dallafior | April 4, 2023 |
Each year, federal programs provide children with affordable health care, nutritious food, stable housing, and early childhood education. These programs not only lift millions …
No, It’s Not an April Fools’ Joke – 7 million Kids Could Lose Their Medicaid Coverage Over the Next Year
Abuko Estrada | March 31, 2023 |
No child should go a single day without access to health care coverage. Even short gaps in coverage interrupt children’s access to care, which, especially for young children, can impact their health and development into adulthood. Starting tomorrow, April 1st, families around the country will begin to see a process unfold that could result in nearly 7 million children losing their health coverage. No, that is not an April Fools’ joke.
Letter: Pediatric Behavioral and Pediatric Health Care Workforce Issues
| March 20, 2023 |
First Focus on Children sent the following letter to Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Bill Cassidy, chair and ranking member of the Senate HELP …
Comments on EPA Proposed Methane Rule
| February 10, 2023 |
First Focus on Children submitted the following comment to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan on the proposed rule concerning Standards of Performance …
Fact Sheet: Medicaid Unwinding: How To Protect Children from Losing Coverage
| February 3, 2023 |
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of stable access to healthcare coverage for kids. Since March 2020, states have been required to maintain …
Comments on Essential Health Benefits (EHB) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
| January 30, 2023 |
First Focus on Children responded to a request for Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid …