By: Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics
“The American Academy of Pediatrics stands in strong opposition to the budget reconciliation legislation passed today in the U.S. Senate, which will harm the health of children, families and communities.
“Put plainly, this bill would have real and lasting impacts on people in our communities. Instead of protecting the health care and nutrition programs we know work to support children, like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), this legislation includes sweeping cuts and changes that threaten children’s ability to rely on these lifelines that help them thrive. Many children will not have healthy food to eat. When they are sick, they will not have health insurance to cover their medical bills – which means some children will simply forgo essential health care.
“Cuts to Medicaid of the magnitude included in the Senate bill would have devastating consequences that reach far beyond even those who rely on the program. Medicaid is the backbone of how the U.S. health system works for children – from pediatric practices in small, rural towns to children’s hospitals in our largest cities. Cutting Medicaid means hospitals and health systems will have fewer resources to support health care for all pediatric patients – including those with private insurance. The result is children in every community will have less access to health care when they need it.
“As lawmakers have debated this legislation, pediatricians have spoken out at every turn and we will continue to do so because we know just how much is at stake for children and families. Children represent 100 percent of our future. Right now, they deserve much better than the policies outlined in this bill. When children and families are supported, our entire communities can prosper.
“If we are to make families healthier, our leaders must protect and strengthen the programs that are designed and proven to do just that. We urgently call on the U.S. House of Representatives to reject this legislation and prioritize the health of children, families and communities.”
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 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.