Congresswomen Schrier and Underwood Introduce Bill to Lower Costs, Increase Access to Pediatric Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Helping Families Access Pediatric Care Act alongside Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14). This legislation intends to make pediatric care more affordable by tackling the financial burden caused by high deductibles.

"As a pediatrician, I know that costs, such as deductibles, are financial barriers that often prevent families from taking their children to the doctor," said Congresswoman Schrier. "This delay in care can be detrimental to children's health, leading mild illnesses to turn severe. For example, a mild pneumonia that the pediatrician could treat with oral antibiotics could turn into a severe case that would require an ER visit, hospitalization, and IV antibiotics. That's why I'm proud to introduce this legislation to lower costs and make sure that no parent needs to make the difficult decision between taking their child to the doctor and putting food on the table."

Specifically, the Helping Families Access Pediatric Care Act will:

• Ensure all outpatient, pediatric care is not subject to a deductible.
• Ensure telehealth visits for pediatric care are not subject to a deductible.
• Authorize a study to track the impact on families.

"All children should be able to receive the health care they need, when they need it. Yet, pediatricians see first-hand how deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs can create major barriers for families trying to access timely care and services, and we know that children's health suffers when care is delayed," said AAP President Ben Hoffman, MD, FAAP. "The Helping Families Access Pediatric Care Actwould work to improve access and affordability for children and families, no matter their source of health care coverage. The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds Representatives Kim Schrier, MD, FAAP (D-Wash.) and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) for their ongoing commitment to and leadership on this important issue and calls on lawmakers to advance this bill without delay."

"Family physicians understand the critical importance of affordable access to primary care for our patients. Unfortunately, economic barriers persist, often delaying access to care for children and families, which can result in poor health outcomes," said Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP, President, American Academy of Family Physicians. "The AAFP firmly believes that no family should have to worry about meeting an unaffordable deductible before their child can see their primary care doctor. That's why we support the re-introduction of the Helping Families Access Pediatric Care Act, which will help ensure timely access to primary care services for our pediatric patients and reduce the need for costly healthcare interventions."