Kids Should be Part of This Adult Conversation

Next week, a very adult conversation begins at the U.S. Supreme Court, but much of it will have an enormous impact on children.

For three days, lawyers will argue over the constitutionality of two major provisions in the Affordable Care Act—the so-called “individual mandate,” requiring most Americans to have health insurance, and the Medicaid expansion, requiring states to cover low-income adults regardless of whether they have children or a disability. 

Congress has already acted to provide health insurance for most American children — 90 percent in 2010 — by expanding Medicaid and enacting the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  While the ACA strengthens these programs for children, it is aimed largely at expanding access to adults and ensuring that health insurance consumers—children and adults alike—are protected against unfair practices.

The Supreme Court’s case may impact both the consumer protections afforded to children, as well as the expanded access to health care provided to children and families. Here are three reasons why this case matters for kids: 

Read about the three reasons on the Huffington Post »