APHA Supports KidsFirst Act of 2005 to Ensure Health Care Coverage for Uninsured Children

Washington, D.C., March 9, 2005 - "The American Public Health Association strongly supports the KidsFirst Act as a comprehensive approach to protect the health of children who are otherwise uninsured and do not have access to essential health services, such as medical care for acute and chronic illnesses and immunizations. We must remove the financial barriers that discourage states and parents from providing health coverage for children, and we must ensure that all children, especially the millions who live in poverty, are not forced to sacrifice the health care they need to become healthy adults.

"It is estimated that 11 million children are currently uninsured, and thousands of children are no longer enrolled in health coverage provided by the State Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid due to state funding shortfalls. If enacted into law, this legislation would enable states to provide coverage to underinsured children, children of state employees and legal immigrant children. It is unacceptable that some parents must weigh the cost of medical treatment against other household necessities when considering taking their children to doctors.

"I would like to commend Senator John Kerry for introducing this initiative and for his leadership in protecting the health of our nation's children."