U.S. Reps Herrera Beutler, Kennedy Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Kids' Access to Health Care

Statement

Today, U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Joe Kennedy III (MA-04) reintroduced a bipartisan bill to streamline the enrollment process for care provided to children outside of the state where they are enrolled in a Medicaid program. Cosponsored by Congressman Ben Ray Luján (NM-03), the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act would create a limited pathway for pediatric providers to be screened and enrolled in another state's Medicaid program to eliminate unnecessary delays in care.

"Every child, regardless of their income level or where they live, should have access to lifesaving care when they need it," Herrera Beutler said. "I'm proud to join Congressman Kennedy and my other colleagues in offering this bipartisan solution to help remove barriers that would keep children from obtaining vital medical treatment."

"Bureaucratic hurdles should not be used to deny children lifesaving care," Kennedy said. "But under our current laws a young patient battling a rare disease or catastrophic injury must face an onerous, painful process just to receive treatment across invisible state borders." With the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, we can save kids' lives and ease the burden on their families."

"We must ensure that the millions of children and families who receive health care through Medicaid can access the highest quality care," Luján said. "When children with the most serious health conditions need to travel out of state for their treatment, or to participate in a clinical trial, their families shouldn't have to worry about whether their care will be covered. Hospitals that treat children from across the country or from neighboring states--like San Juan Regional Medical Center in New Mexico--shouldn't face a duplicative approval process. This legislation will ensure children can get the care they need."

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act has received the support of the Children's Hospital Association and Boston Children's Hospital.

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