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Read. Follow. Verify.KIDS Health Act of 2023
Last action · June 9, 2023: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.Sponsor: Lisa Blunt Rochester
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill proposes a federal demonstration project to help states design and implement 'whole child health models' that integrate physical, mental, and social services for children. The program would provide grants to states to assess community needs and coordinate care across Medicaid, child welfare, and school systems.
If passed, this bill would authorize the federal government to award up to 15 grants to states to redesign how they deliver and pay for pediatric health services, potentially changing how children access care in participating communities.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
State Medicaid Agencies
These agencies would be responsible for applying for grants, conducting needs assessments, and coordinating with other state departments to implement the health models.
Pediatric Healthcare Providers
Providers would be expected to participate in new value-based payment arrangements and coordinate care with schools and social service agencies.
School Districts
Districts would be encouraged to partner with state agencies to integrate school-based health and wellness services into the broader health model.
Key Facts
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to award up to 15 grants to states for whole child health demonstration projects.
- Grants must be awarded within 12 months of the bill's enactment.
- States must conduct a needs assessment for target communities that is no more than two years old.
- Participating states must submit a proposed whole child health model for approval within 12 months of receiving a grant.
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- The project waives the 'statewideness' requirement, allowing states to implement models in specific target communities rather than statewide.
- Models must coordinate Medicaid, human services, and child welfare agencies with community partners like school districts and health providers.
- States must implement or advance value-based payment arrangements that promote pediatric health.
- Models must include strategies for trauma-informed care, telehealth, and school-based health services.
- States must describe how they will leverage health information technology for cross-sector data sharing.
- The Secretary is directed to prioritize geographic diversity and a mix of urban and rural communities when selecting grantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'whole child health model'?
Does this bill apply to every state?
How will this affect my child's healthcare?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
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Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Move toward integrated pediatric care
The bill explicitly mandates the integration of Medicaid, child welfare, and school-based services, signaling a policy shift toward holistic, cross-agency health management for children.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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