Child advocates celebrate anniversary of health reform passage

Millions of children living healthier, more secure lives thanks to reform law

WASHINGTON – Voices for America’s Children, the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations, today celebrated the anniversary of the passage of health care reform, which will help millions of children get coverage.

“Before health care reform, too many families were priced out of coverage in this country, and too many of those with coverage couldn’t rely on it or saw the costs skyrocket,” said Bill Bentley, president and CEO of Voices for America’s Children. “But this time a year ago, we finally changed our health insurance system, and changed children’s lives in the process.”

Child advocates praised the provisions of the law that went into effect in September: insurance companies can’t deny care to children with pre-existing conditions; they can’t set lifetime limits on services; and children may stay on their family’s health insurance plan until age 26.

“The Affordable Care Act has already delivered important wins for Utah kids. Children with cancer or other serious conditions can no longer be denied care because of annual or lifetime insurance limits, and insurers cannot deny coverage outright,” said Karen Crompton, executive director of Voices for Utah Children, a member organization of Voices for America’s Children. “Parents can keep college-age children on their family health insurance policies. Kids with private insurance can get the screenings and check-ups they need to stay healthy, without the out-of-pocket costs that encourage fix-it care instead of health care.”

“In 2011, tens of thousands of children will gain coverage now that insurers can’t discriminate against children already sick with ‘pre-existing conditions,’” said Jack Kresnak, president and CEO of Voices for Michigan’s Children. “And more than a million young adults will benefit from being able to stay on their family health plan longer.”

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As the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations, Voices for America’s Children (Voices) has been on the forefront of every major child policy victory for the past quarter-century. With 62 members nationwide, Voices speaks up for kids, and mobilizes and advocates for public policies to improve the lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, throughout the United States. Visit us at www.voices.org.

Voices is a founding member of the Children’s Leadership Council, a coalition of more than 50 leading national policy and advocacy organizations. www.childrensleadershipcouncil.com.