Biden-Harris Administration Releases Guidance to Strengthen Health Coverage for Children and Youth in Medicaid and CHIP

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has released guidance aimed at strengthening Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for children and youth. With nearly 38 million children relying on these programs for their health care needs, this new guidance reaffirms the administration’s commitment to ensuring all children, particularly those from low-income families, receive the care they need. 

The guidance focuses on the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements, which guarantee access to comprehensive health services for Medicaid-eligible children. These services range from mental health support to dental and vision care, with the goal of addressing health concerns early to prevent future complications. 

This initiative is a response to growing concerns about health inequities among children, particularly in underserved communities. The guidance provides states with strategies to enhance service delivery, including transportation access, expanding the workforce for children-focused care, and improving care for children with specialized needs such as disabilities or those in the child welfare system.