Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide health coverage for more than 80 million individuals and families, including over 40% of all children in the United States. CHOP is committed to preserving and enhancing these programs, which benefit our patients and play a crucial role in reducing healthcare disparities.

Medicaid and CHIP are funded by a combination of state and federal dollars. As taxpayer-supported programs, their “return on investment” is sound:  children enrolled in Medicaid not only have better health outcomes, but they are also more likely to finish high school and pay more taxes as adults. 

However, as taxpayer-supported programs, Medicaid and CHIP are often scrutinized for potential cuts when either state or federal budgets are being debated, and all too often, “stealth cuts” to these programs are proposed or enacted, even when the coverage itself is maintained.  “Stealth,” or indirect cuts include increased requirements and paperwork that make it harder for families to maintain Medicaid.

Along with other children’s hospitals and advocacy organizations, CHOP has successfully advocated to prevent both direct and indirect cuts to Medicaid in recent years. We will continue to do so as these programs have proven their value, and it is up to us to ensure that every lawmaker understands their importance.

Access to Cutting Edge Therapies

CHOP has been in the forefront of pediatric cell and gene therapy (CGT) since the initial advances. This includes developing and leading clinical trials of the first approved gene therapy (Luxterna) and cell therapy (Kymriah), continued innovative research, and first-inclass novel clinical programs to safely implement CGT for optimal clinical outcomes in children.

The growing number of cell and gene therapies offer hope—and sometimes genuine cures—for serious pediatric conditions.   At the same time, the extraordinarily high price tag for most of these therapies poses unprecedented challenges.  CHOP is advocating in various forums and at both the federal and state levels for equitable, affordable access to these cutting-edge medicines for all children in need.