Access to healthcare is essential for babies’ healthy growth and development, yet proposed Medicaid cuts threaten to reduce critical services for young children and their families. Medicaid operates as a federal-state partnership, providing vital healthcare coverage to millions of infants and toddlers.
Without continued federal support, states may be forced to scale back services, leaving babies with reduced access to medical care or pushing families into financial hardship due to rising healthcare costs. Ensuring that all babies receive the medical attention they need is crucial to fostering a strong, healthy future.
Our federal policy team is deeply involved in shaping decisions that impact the well-being of babies and their families. Stay up-to-date on our latest issues.
Medicaid is a vital federal/state partnership with both partners contributing resources and states having flexibility in how they design their program. Find resources below to help understand the impact of Medicaid and support those who may be impacted by healthcare coverage changes.
Many Medicaid recipients may be unaware that their benefits are at risk. Raising awareness about different program names can strengthen advocacy efforts. The programs below provide essential services for babies, toddlers and their families. Click on your state to learn more about these resources and Medicaid options for other populations.
This paper offers a detailed report about what is at stake for babies and their families as Congress and the Administration look to restructure and reduce funding for Medicaid.
This paper suggests that a full accounting of Medicaid expansions and other policies that aim to increase health insurance coverage, such as the ACA, should consider downstream benefits that accrue decades in the future.
One approach to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and address these historic inequities is to include payment for birth doula care in Medicaid programs.
Medicaid plays a critical role in safeguarding child well-being by reducing economic hardship and ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
The Cost & Coverage Collaborative, an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, conducted in-depth message research to better understand what arguments work to defend against cuts. Discover top strategies, workshop messaging, and discuss what’s next.
The state where a baby is born and spends their first years also is a significant indicator as to whether a baby will have a strong start in life. See data from each state showing how well babies are set up for a strong start in life.
If services were cut we would be looking at either me trying to play the role of a therapist or waiting up to a year for a private clinic in hopes we don't lose the progress we've made for my daughter.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Plans – If a family no longer qualifies for Medicaid, they may be eligible for subsidized health plans through the ACA marketplace. Losing Medicaid qualifies as a special enrollment event.
Rural patients that need care the most are likely served by hospitals that are shedding vital services or are vulnerable to closure altogether.
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