AAP News Vol. 13 No. 7 July 1997, p. 6
© 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics
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$16 billion earmarked for children's health insurance

Marjorie Tharp

Congress approved a budget resolution May 21 containing $16 billion over five years to provide up to five million children with health insurance coverage.

How the dollars were to be specifically allocated was still being determined, with AAP input at press time. But the resolution states some of the funding must go toward Medicaid and/or developing a program of capped mandatory state grants.

Although Congress approved the budget resolution, it is by no means a done deal. Congressional committees must create legislation that makes the necessary changes in current law to comply with the fiscal policy established in the budget resolution. At press time, the committees were scheduled to finish their work in June. The outcome would then be merged into a budget reconciliation.

AAP members should call their senators and representatives in July to help shape the budget decisions on children's health insurance by discussing comprehensive benefits, accountability and quality assurance, including appropriate reimbursement and access to primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists.