Healthcare for All Kids

In "An Ailment Could Delay or Rule Out Healthcare Coverage" [usnews.com], U.S. News did an excellent job of explaining the challenging situations that too many Americans with chronic, serious, or disabling conditions face in seeking health insurance.

However, the article did not mention an important federal proposal introduced by Representative Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) that would prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions from being applied to children, until they turn 19. Just as the Congress is moving to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program to provide health insurance to low-income, uninsured children, it follows that our policymakers also should move to ensure that all children - irrespective of their health status - have access to the health care they need and deserve. While the "Children's Health Protection Act of 2007" (H.R. 2842) does not protect all Americans, it is an important first step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of the next generation.

Nancy Davenport-Ennis
CEO and President
National Patient Advocate Foundation
Via e-mail