Proposed legislation would automatically enroll all children under age 18 in Medicaid.
Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat, introduced the "Medicaid for Every Child Act" Sept. 15. The bill would automatically enroll children in Medicaid at birth through the age of 18, with no redetermination process, according to a Sept. 15 news release.
"Right now, too many of our kids are struggling to stay healthy because their families can’t afford the care they need. My Medicaid for Every Child Act will ensure that no American child will ever again be forced to grow up without access to healthcare," Mr. Casey said in the release.
The proposed bill would allow families to opt-out of Medicaid coverage if their children are covered through private insurance or another program.
Around 36 percent of children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.