WASHINGTON -- Iowa organizations are voicing support for the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, legislation Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced today alongside Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.). The bipartisan, bicameral bill would improve health care access for children with complex medical conditions by simplifying out-of-state Medicaid enrollment processes for pediatric care providers. It is backed by over 200 children’s hospitals, patients and research organizations nationwide, including in Iowa: “In Iowa, families are fortunate to have complex specialty care available right here in the state at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, but out-of-state families who rely on Medicaid and need the specialized care only our experts can provide are faced with a cumbersome process to get coverage, resulting in delays in care that can sometimes be life-threatening,” said Brooks Jackson, MD, MBA, Vice President of Medical Affairs at University of Iowa. “This bill streamlines the enrollment process for our providers so it is quicker and easier for out-of-state Medicaid patients to see us for their complex medical care needs.” “Blank Children’s Hospital applauds Senator Grassley’s continued focus to reduce barriers and improve health care access for children with complex medical conditions. We are thrilled to see Representative Miller-Meeks take the lead in the House to address the challenges our Iowa families face in getting their children the care they need when they need it. The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act is an essential solution to reduce delays for children who rely on Medicaid in receiving the pediatric specialty care they need to survive and thrive. Iowa has great care for children, but no state has every critical treatment option for each and every complex medical condition. Our Iowa families rely on coordinated care for their child between their local provider teams and pediatric specialty teams from across the country. This legislation will make a difference to countless children by increasing their access to the pediatric specialty care,” said Wendy Woods-Swafford, MD, MPH, Vice President and Medical Director, Blank Children’s Hospital & Women’s Services. “As a specialty pediatric healthcare provider for thousands of children and young adults with complex medical needs, ChildServe supports the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act,” said Teri Wahlig, M.D., ChildServe CEO. “This bipartisan legislation makes access to quality healthcare a priority for children with complex medical conditions – by simplifying, standardizing and streamlining the process for them to access services and specialists which otherwise may not be available to them. The ability to connect our healthcare system across state lines creates a more efficient pathway for children to receive the time sensitive and essential care they need. We appreciate Senator Grassley and Senator Bennett’s commitment to advocating for children with complex medical needs.” “This legislation will be a lifeline for families across the country facing childhood cancer,” said E. Anders Kolb, MD, President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “By streamlining the Medicaid provider screening and enrollment process, we'll spare families the anguish of needless treatment delays at a time when every day counts. We thank Senators Grassley and Bennet for introducing this bill and urge Congress to pass it quickly. Kids can’t wait.” “It is vital that all children and adolescents can receive the health care they need, when they need it. For those with complex medical conditions, any delays in access to the specialized care they need can be detrimental to their health. As stated in its name, the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act would help ensure that children enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program can receive timely health care without facing unnecessary barriers simply based on where they live. Pediatricians call on Congress to swiftly advance this bipartisan legislation, and we thank Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) for their leadership on the issue,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Sandy Chung, MD, FAAP. |
