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Washington D.C. – Today, child advocates celebrate a major milestone in providing access to high quality, affordable health care for children. On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act, which included several critical new child-focused provisions to improve the health of America’s next generation.
In commemorating the first anniversary of the health reform law, Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus, a bipartisan child advocacy organization, issued the following statement:
“It is indisputable that America’s children, especially low-income children and those with special health care needs are better off today because of the health reform legislation signed into law one year ago. Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions or place lifetime caps on coverage. Working and middle class parents now have the peace of mind to know that their kids can stay on their insurance plan at a minimal cost until they’re 26. And, kids who need glasses to see the chalkboard or a visit to the dentist to fix an infected tooth will be able to do so because insurance companies are required to provide vision and dental care benefits for all children.
“Furthermore, the health reform law builds upon existing public programs that work for kids by improving Medicaid and extending the life of the successful Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through 2015. Working in tandem, these programs cut the numbers of uninsured children by one-third over the last decade. While the families who rely on these programs don’t take them for granted, most Americans don’t know that more than a third of all children rely on Medicaid and CHIP for their vaccinations, well-child check-ups, and to have their cavities filled.
“While the Affordable Care Act is a clear win for children and families, a recent First Focus analysis revealed that health reform is also a win for state budgets. According to the report, states could reap significant budget savings ranging between $40.6 billion to as high as $131.6 billion during 2014-2019 as a result of the legislation.
“This week, as we celebrate the huge gains made for children’s healthcare, we strongly urge Members of Congress to move forward with implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Now is not the time to turn back the clock on the important progress we have made for children. When we help children grow and succeed, we are paving the way for our country’s next generation of workers and leaders. Protecting the health of our nation’s children is not just the right thing to do. It is one of the best investments we can make as a nation.”