S.752 - Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.752, the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, aims to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to streamline the enrollment process for out-of-state healthcare providers under Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). This would allow eligible providers to offer services across state lines more easily. The bill focuses on ensuring that children under 21 enrolled in Medicaid have increased access to healthcare services.
The bill introduces a streamlined enrollment process for eligible out-of-state providers, reducing administrative burdens. It also specifies criteria for eligible providers, including screening for fraud, waste, and abuse. The changes are set to take effect three years after the enactment of the bill.
The bill also includes conforming amendments to other sections of the Social Security Act to ensure consistency. It is sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, indicating broad support for its goals.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to increase access to healthcare for children enrolled in Medicaid, particularly those who live near state borders or require specialized care not readily available in their home state. By streamlining the enrollment process for out-of-state providers, the bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently limit the availability of healthcare services.
This could lead to more timely and appropriate medical care for children, potentially improving health outcomes. It may also foster greater competition among healthcare providers, which could drive down costs and improve the quality of care.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to specialized healthcare services for children in Medicaid.
- Reduced administrative burden for healthcare providers operating across state lines.
- Improved health outcomes for children due to more timely and accessible care.
- Potential for greater competition among healthcare providers, leading to better quality and lower costs.
- Streamlined enrollment process ensures providers are screened for fraud, waste, and abuse.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to state Medicaid programs due to increased utilization of out-of-state providers.
- Risk of insufficient oversight of out-of-state providers, potentially leading to quality concerns.
- Possible disruption of existing provider networks within states.
- Delayed implementation, as the changes take effect three years after enactment.
- The definition of 'limited risk of fraud, waste, and abuse' might be interpreted differently across states, leading to inconsistencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve healthcare access for children, promoting their well-being. Congress has broad authority to legislate on matters related to spending for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. It primarily deals with the administration of a federal program and does not restrict freedom of speech, religion, or other fundamental rights.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. Therefore, the federal government must be careful not to unduly infringe upon state sovereignty in administering the program.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).