Health Reform

The current health care system is broken. 21 million children and youth are uninsured, and millions more are with limited access or facing some barrier to healthcare. Physician shortages in primary care plague urban and rural areas across the country and emergency rooms are flooded with children and families who have no other source of health care.

Children's Health Fund (CHF) is deeply concerned with these issues. Over the last twenty years, CHF has worked to address the shortfalls in our system, yet there is an increased need for these programs. CHF believes that health reform must address the needs of children first by building upon successful public health insurance programs, addressing workforce shortages in pediatric primary, dental and mental health care, and harnessing the potential of health information technology to support improved health care access and outcomes for children.

Where CHF Stands on the Current Debate

CHF supports universal coverage for children and increased access to services.  The recession has only exacerbated the existing problem by increasing the number of children and families in need.

All children should have access to comprehensive health care.  Unfortunately, millions of children are uninsured and don't get the care they need.  Solving this problem can and should be the goal of national health reform efforts.

There are currently three health care reform proposals under consideration by lawmakers. The Children’s Health Fund (CHF) supports health reform proposals that:
1) provide universal health care coverage for all kids,
2) shore up the health care workforce and
3) promote the medical home model of care for children.

View CHF's Report Card on the Senate Bill »

View CHF's Report Card on the House Bill »

View CHF's In Depth Policy Brief on Health Care Reform » 

Kids Can’t Wait for Health Reform

The momentum in Congress and around the country in support of comprehensive health reform presents an unprecedented opportunity to make real and positive change for all children. On September 16th, CHF in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of Children’s Hospitals hosted a high-profile event on Capitol Hill featuring CHF co-founder, Paul Simon, and Congressional leadership. CHF, along with other national pediatric and child advocacy groups delivered a message to national lawmakers urging them to finish their work on healthcare reform and pass legislation that delivers on the promise to provide all children with access to comprehensive health care.