Research & Reports: Child Health
Insuring our Future: Addressing the Needs of Children in Health Care Reform
This series of research papers, authored by respected health care experts, and examine the role of children in the debate over national health reform.
Actuarial Study:
Children Currently Enrolled In CHIP Will Face Higher Costs if Moved into Exchange
October 1, 2009
Reveals that the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is significantly better for low-income families than any health reform proposal pending in Congress. The study, conducted by respected consulting firm Watson Wyatt Worldwide, finds that children currently enrolled in CHIP will face higher costs if they are moved into exchange plans.
Congressional Health Reform Proposals:
How do Children Fare?
August, 2009 (Updated November, 2009)
This side-by-side comparison breaks down how children fare in the health reform proposals put forth by the Senate HELP Committee and the House Tri-Committee.
Achieving Optimal Health and Healthcare for All Children: How We Can Eliminate Disparities in Children's Health and Healthcare
By Glenn Flores, M.D.
July 20, 2009
Finds that racial and ethnic disparities in children’s healthcare are “extensive, pervasive, and persistent.” In addition to identifying the leading children’s health disparities, the report also provides recommendations on how to eliminate them.
Health Reform & Adolescents
By Harriette Fox and Margaret McManus of the National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health
June 29, 2009
Many American adolescents are suffering from unmet physical, reproductive, and behavioral health needs due to failings of our nation's health system. This report reveals that many adolescents are uninsured and have limited options for purchasing insurance that meets their unique health needs. The report also outlines ways in which national health reform provides an important opportunity to address these challenges.
How Capping the Tax Exclusion May Disproportionately Burden Children & Families
By Elise Gould of the Economic Policy Institute
May 28, 2009
Reveals that health reform proposals taxing employer-sponsored benefits are detrimental to dependent children covered through family plans.
The Impact of the Healthy Americans Act on Children's Coverage
By Harbage Consulting, LLC
May 5, 2009
Analyzes the potentially adverse effects that the Healthy American's Act (S. 391) may have on children's health coverage.
Creating Comprehensive and Stable Health Insurance Coverage for All Children
By Sara Rosenbaum of the George Washington University
May 5, 2009
Highlights the important aspects of Medicaid that must be protected for children during health reform.
SCHIP Side-by-Side
December 17, 2008
In partnership with the Children's Health Fund and the National Association of Community Health Centers, First Focus produced a side-by-side comparison of the House, Senate, and Joint Agreement proposals to reauthorize SCHIP. The side-by-side also provides recommendations to improve the health of our nation's children.
Presidential Candidates' Health Plans & Children's Coverage
October 21, 2008
Details how children are treated in the health care plans of the presidential candidates, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama. The analysis identifies both opportunities and concerns with the policy changes outlined by both presidential candidates, with an eye toward whether the plans would ensure access to comprehensive and affordable health care for every American child.
Addressing the Health Care Needs of Foster Care Children
June 2, 2008
Highlighting a number of critical health concerns and policies impacting children in the foster care system.
CMS’ Medicaid Regulations: Implications for Children with Special Health Care Needs
March 14, 2008
Showing that new rules for Medicare and SCHIP, if imposed, would hurt special needs children.
First Focus/Fabrizio McLaughlin & Associates Poll Shows Repbulican Voters Want a Strong Children's Health Bill
September 24, 2007
Confirming strong support for children’s health coverage legislation among Republican voters.
Uninsured Data Shows an Alarming Trend in States
September 7, 2007
A state by state look at the insurance status of children reveals trends that are of great concern.
First Focus Report Indicates Tax Credits Would be Detrimental to Children and Families
August 2, 2007
Revealing that President Bush’s tax proposal would be severely detrimental to American children and families.
First Focus/Luntz, Maslansky Poll Indicates Overwhelming National Support for Covering All Children
July 24, 2007
A nationwide poll indicating extraordinary support for providing health coverage to all children.
Parental Health Insurance Coverage as Child Health Policy: Evidence from the Literature
June 25, 2007
Indicates the importance of parents to child health coverage.
Administration Policy Change Threatens Health Care Coverage for Poor Infants
December 11, 2006
Revealing that many babies are likely to go without needed health care services due to recent CMS policy changes.(Written by First Focus Fellow, Sarah deLone)
