Overview: Bill Number: H 2361, Title: An Act relative to ensuring quality healthcare for children, Status: Hearing rescheduled to 07/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:05 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time, Introduced: February 27, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this bill is to improve access to high-quality healthcare services for children in the state. The legislation aims to address gaps in coverage, enhance preventive care, and ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive.
Key Provisions:
- Expand Medicaid eligibility and coverage for children, including those in low-income and underserved families
- Mandate comprehensive well-child visits and screenings, including for developmental, behavioral, and mental health issues
- Increase reimbursement rates for pediatric healthcare providers to incentivize participation in Medicaid and CHIP programs
- Establish a statewide network of pediatric healthcare centers to improve access to specialized care, especially in rural and underserved areas
- Invest in public awareness campaigns and outreach initiatives to educate families about available healthcare resources and the importance of preventive care for children
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Children and their families, who would have improved access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services
- Pediatric healthcare providers, who would see increased patient volumes and reimbursement rates
- State and local governments, which would need to allocate additional funding to expand Medicaid and other child healthcare programs
- The broader public health and education systems, which could benefit from healthier children and improved developmental outcomes
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been introduced in the state legislature and is currently scheduled for a hearing on July 14, 2025. If the bill progresses, it would need to go through the standard legislative process, including committee reviews, floor debates, and potential amendments before a final vote. The timeline for this bill may be influenced by the level of political support, budgetary considerations, and any potential opposition or amendments.
