Children grappling with intricate medical conditions or uncommon diseases encounter daily challenges. Instead of being burdened with coordinating logistics with their healthcare teams during such delicate moments, they should ideally be concentrating on recuperation and managing their intricate conditions.
Unfortunately, many times, children and their families find themselves in a situation where they must await insurance companies to evaluate and approve their healthcare providers before commencing or continuing treatment. This bureaucratic process can result in care delays that have adverse effects on a child’s well-being.
For children with complex conditions under Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), seeking treatment out-of-state is often necessary. This requires the out-of-state physician to undergo enrollment in the patient’s home state Medicaid program, even if they are already approved and enrolled in their own state. This redundant screening process leads to unnecessary delays in care provision.
Recognizing the challenges faced by these children, I, along with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Representative Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), introduced the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act in July. This proposed legislation aims to simplify the screening process by permitting reputable providers in their home state, who treat children from other states, to enroll in multiple state Medicaid programs for up to five years.
The bill seeks to streamline out-of-state Medicaid screening and enrollment procedures for pediatric healthcare providers while upholding essential safeguards to maintain program integrity. Its implementation would benefit children, families, and local medical facilities such as the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
During a hearing on legislative initiatives to support patients with rare diseases held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Feb. 29, my bill was among those deliberated upon. Dr. Alexander Bassuk, the Physician-in-Chief at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, testified at the hearing, eloquently representing our community and highlighting the advantages of this legislation for children, communities, and healthcare institutions.
The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act represents a rational approach that will enhance access to care efficiency for children and parents, ultimately improving the quality of life for children with complex diseases, all without imposing substantial costs on the Medicaid system.
I am heartened by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s dedication to endorsing legislation that serves the interests of children. While efforts to reduce screening processing times are ongoing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocating for these children and their families.