Understanding Medicaid: Foundational Resources

Medicaid plays a central role in financing health care for children and adolescents, covering more than one‑third of all children nationwide. For pediatric practices, children’s hospitals, and advocates, understanding the fundamentals of Medicaid is essential.

This page brings together AAP webinars, fact sheets, and related resources that address both foundational Medicaid concepts and advanced policy and payment issues relevant to pediatric care. These tools offer timely insights for pediatricians, practice leaders, stakeholders, and families seeking to better understand Medicaid’s structure and financing

AAP Policy on Medicaid

Medicaid 101 Webinar Series

The Committee on Child Health Financing is excited to launch a new four-part webinar series focused on exploring the critical role Medicaid plays in the lives of children and families. Throughout the year, this series will feature timely, high‑impact sessions designed to deepen understanding of Medicaid policy, financing, and delivery systems. Topics will include how funds flow through Medicaid, state‑level variation in program design, and the role of managed care in serving children. We invite you to stay tuned for upcoming webinars and opportunities to learn and engage. 

Webinar 1: Medicaid 101
This introductory webinar brought clinicians together to gain foundational knowledge of Medicaid, including its origins, financing, and role in supporting child health. Experts in Medicaid and child health financing reviewed key concepts such as program operations, funding structures, and Medicaid’s function as both a health insurance program and a source of broader pediatric support. The session aimed to equip clinicians with essential knowledge to care for children enrolled in Medicaid and advocate for policies that best serve children and families.

For more information on Medicaid and AAP advocacy priorities, visit the AAP’s Medicaid and CHIP Advocacy page.

View
Last Updated

05/06/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics