More than half of U.S. children depend on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for healthcare coverage, but this coverage is restricted to providers within their home state. For children with complex medical conditions, like brain tumors, this limitation often blocks access to specialized care available only out of state.
The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 17, seeks to change that. Currently, out-of-state providers must undergo a time-consuming screening and enrollment process in a child’s home state Medicaid program, delaying access to life-saving care. This bill would create a streamlined pathway for providers in good standing to enroll in multiple state Medicaid programs, allowing children to receive faster, more timely care without all the red tape.
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, along with other childhood cancer advocates, has been championing this legislation for two years. Now, efforts are focused on ensuring the bill moves forward in the Senate. The Act has garnered bipartisan support from sponsors Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).
If passed, the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act will improve children’s access to essential health care, while eliminating administrative burdens for providers and states. You can help push this critical legislation forward, by supporting advocacy efforts through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Join the cause by signing up at curethekids.org/advocate. Your voice can help ensure children get the care they need when they need it most.
Hydrocephalus, commonly known as “water on the brain,” is a condition that can occur in children with brain tumors. It involves an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that can cause increased pressure inside the skull, leading to various symptoms and complications.
Pediatric brain surgery is a profound medical procedure that demands careful attention during the recovery period. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can significantly ease the process for both the child and their family.
