Press Statement
On
FAMILY OPPORTUNITY ACT PASSING IN THE SENATE
By Carden Johnston, MD, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

"The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds the U.S. Senate for passing yesterday legislation that will make a significant difference for millions of working families who have children with disabilities. We all know how expensive health care is, particularly when a child has a lifelong disability. Medicaid provides children with disabilities critical health care services, however the program limits enrollment based on family income. There are a lot of working families who just miss being able to enroll in Medicaid, yet they make too little to afford private insurance or their insurance doesn't cover all of their child's needs. That's where the Family Opportunity Act comes in. Sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), this legislation allows families caring for children with disabilities to enroll them in Medicaid. These families will pay an amount into the program based on their income. Without this bill, some parents would quit their job or take a lower paying job in order to remain eligible for Medicaid. The Family Opportunity Act is fair. It helps working parents, who will pay for being in the program, and it helps children with disabilities get the care they need. Unfortunately, the U.S. House bill sponsored by Representatives Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Henry Waxman (D-CA), has stalled. It is hard to think of a reason why House members want to deny these hard-working parents and their children, but pediatricians will keep lobbying until this bill becomes law."

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 57,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.