Article Summary –
A new report from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab emphasizes the importance of increasing economic security for children and families through investments in health care, education, housing, and financial support, particularly during pregnancy and infancy when economic hardship is most severe. The report highlights that nearly half of U.S. children experience poverty before kindergarten, and notes that expanding programs like Medicaid, which currently provides comprehensive health coverage to more than 70 million low-income Americans, can significantly enhance the economic security and well-being of children and families. Rebecka Rosenquist from PolicyLab points out the significant impact of policy areas such as Medicaid, nutrition support, tax credits, and paid leave, and stresses the necessity of protecting existing programs in states like Pennsylvania to ensure long-term positive outcomes for children’s health and economic stability.
A recent report calls on policymakers to enhance economic stability for families by investing in health care, education, housing, and financial support.
The PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found economic difficulties peak during pregnancy and early childhood. Nearly 50% of U.S. children face poverty before starting school, and 60% grow up in financially struggling households.
Rebecka Rosenquist, PolicyLab’s deputy director of policy and strategy, emphasized the importance of helping lawmakers grasp how early family investments can alter children’s life paths.
“We examined 10 policy areas to assess the impact on pregnancy and early childhood health,” Rosenquist noted.
The initiative, guided by the Maternity Care Coalition, includes PolicyLab, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, and Children First. Rosenquist highlighted the collaboration’s strengths in expertise. PolicyLab employs an evidence-to-impact approach within the Research Institute at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The study analyzed areas like Medicaid, nutrition aid, tax credits, paid leave, and diaper assistance, identifying significant impacts on child health. It underscores that many Pennsylvania programs need safeguarding.
“Medicaid is pivotal, offering long-term outcomes,” Rosenquist stated. “It’s crucial to maintain Medicaid as a key element of family economic security and healthcare access.”
The report revealed Medicaid covers over 70 million low-income Americans, including 40% of children. Expanding outlined policies could enhance child and family economic stability, especially amid affordability issues.
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