This report analyzes the potentially adverse effects that the Healthy Americans Act (S. 391), legislation introduced by Senators Wyden and Bennett, may have on children’s health coverage. It also proposes solutions for improving the legislation.
The Healthy Americans Act calls for a significant dismantling of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The report finds that this could fracture coverage for children, making it difficult for families to access the care children need for healthy development. Ending Medicaid as we know it also may undermine the systems of care and protections currently afforded to our nation’s lowest income children.
In addition, the report concludes the legislation possibly will damage the health care infrastructure that supports the full array of children’s needs. This would place children with special needs particularly at risk of lacking the coverage and supports necessary to be healthy.