Let’s protect Medicaid for sake of all children
Program provides benefits for families throughout the community
One out of every 11 children in the United States lives in Texas. By 2015 we expect approximately half a million more children statewide.
As the largest and most comprehensive children’s health system in the nation— and one that serves moreMedicaid patients than any other pediatric hospital in the state— Texas Children’s believes it is essential to preserve and protectMedicaid. The joint federal- state health insurance program for low- income individuals ensures all children receivemuch needed medical care. Slashing funding not only hurts Medicaid recipients, but also adversely affects key programs and initiatives that benefit all children. For example, less funding means fewer primary care physicians will be available to see patients for regular checkups or manage minor illnesses, resulting in more children seeking treatment in the already crowded hospital emergency rooms. And some families, who feel no alternatives exist, will allowmedical conditions to go untreated until they become more serious, more chronic and more expensive to treat.
Everyone, even those fortunate enough to never needMedicaid coverage, benefits from the program. While acknowledging thatMedicaid funding to essential pediatric providers offsets the cost of patient visits for children on Medicaid, it is important to point out that hospitals are also investing these dollars in programs and services utilized by all children in the community. Ultimately, Medicaid supports the broader health of all children— not just those on Medicaid— and serves as the pediatric safety net that provides care to the 2.8 million children across Texas. The statistics tell the story— Medicaid has been a successful and essential program for many children over the years.
1Medicaid is the single largest health insurer for children, who make up more than half of allMedicaid recipients. In fiscal year 2008, Medicaid insured more than 30 million children under age 19 for at least part of the year. Approximately 28 percent of all children, 41 percent of infants and 30 percent of children with disabilities relied onMedicaid ( the Children’s Health Insurance Program) for health coverage. As of January 2010, more than 2.8 million children in Texas including more than 300,000 in Harris County— were enrolled inMedicaid.
1Children’s coverage is not driving the growth ofMedicaid costs. Although children under age 19 account for more than half of all enrollees, they account for only 25 percent of the costs.
TheMedicaid program currently provides low cost health insurance to children and pregnant women; it allows children access to pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. The simple truth is that our federal and state governments save money by investing in health care— treatment in hospital emergency rooms can cost up to seven times asmuch as a simple office visit. Children who grow up with regular health examinations, immunizations and care for childhood illnesses are more likely to become adults who are healthy and productive taxpayers.
Medicaid is not just a program for low income families. The “great recession” has painfully demonstrated that employerprovided health insurance is too easily lost and costly to replace. Without the safety net ofMedicaid and the similar CHIP, more children would lack even themost basic health services, and cutting the programs would displace scores of families and children into a world of financial andmedical uncertainty.
We all understand the desire to be fiscally responsible and the need to make difficult economic decisions. We urge our elected officials to make investments inMedicaid because investments in our children’s health are investments in their future. The rate of return is sustainable, exponential and long- lasting.