Article Summary –
A report from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab advocates for policymakers to enhance economic security for children and families by investing in healthcare, education, housing, and financial support, noting that economic hardship peaks during pregnancy and infancy, affecting nearly half of U.S. children before kindergarten. The study, led by PolicyLab in collaboration with multiple organizations, examines ten policy domains and emphasizes the importance of Medicaid, nutrition support, tax credits, paid leave, and diaper assistance in improving child health and economic outcomes. Expanding these policy areas could significantly strengthen economic security for children and families, especially when affordability is a major concern.
By Danielle Smith
A new report calls on policymakers to enhance children’s economic security through health care, education, housing, and financial investment.
The PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found economic hardship peaks during pregnancy and infancy. Nearly 50% of U.S. children face poverty before kindergarten, with three in five living in financially distressed families.
Rebecka Rosenquist, PolicyLab’s deputy director, emphasized the importance of helping lawmakers recognize how early family investments can alter a child’s future.
“We examined 10 policy domains to understand their impact on pregnancy and early childhood,” Rosenquist stated.
The initiative is led by Maternity Care Coalition alongside PolicyLab, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, and Children First. Rosenquist highlighted the collaboration’s robust expertise. At PolicyLab, they follow an evidence-to-impact approach under the Research Institute at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Key domains include Medicaid, nutrition support, tax credits, paid leave, and diaper assistance. The study identified significant short- and long-term child health impacts, stressing existing Pennsylvania programs need protection.
“Medicaid offers remarkable long-term benefits,” Rosenquist noted. “It’s crucial to maintain Medicaid to ensure family economic security and access to necessary health care.”
The report indicates Medicaid covers over 70 million low-income Americans, including approximately 40% of children. Expanding policies outlined in the report could boost economic security, especially amid rising affordability concerns.
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