What Are Key Legislative Changes in Pediatric Healthcare?
Several significant legislative changes have impacted pediatric healthcare. Some of the key changes include:
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Enacted in 1997, CHIP provides health coverage to low-income children who do not qualify for Medicaid. This program has been instrumental in reducing the number of uninsured children in the United States. The Affordable Care Act (ACA): Passed in 2010, the ACA includes provisions that specifically benefit children, such as prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions and extending dependent coverage up to age 26. The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA): Enacted in 2018, FFPSA reforms child welfare financing to prioritize keeping children with their families and providing prevention services. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): This 2015 law reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and includes provisions to support the health and well-being of students, such as promoting mental health services in schools. Vaccination Mandates: Various state laws mandate vaccinations for school entry, aiming to increase immunization rates and protect public health.
