Pennsylvania pediatricians advocate against Medicaid

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– Pediatricians from across Pennsylvania were at the State Capitol on Monday not with a prescription but with a warning.

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is addressing how proposed Medicaid cuts would impact children.

The United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 in May, and some pediatricians in Pennsylvania believe that healthcare for children would be negatively impacted if it becomes law.

According to the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Medicaid covers 35% of births in the state. Additionally, it covers dental and hearing services, provides care for children with special healthcare needs, and covers other things private insurance doesn’t.

“Other potential consequences could include increases in childhood obesity because of the loss of tracking kids growth, development, weight and BMI, and also guidance received on nutrition,” says Dr. Priscilla Mpasi, MD, FAAP. “Medicaid cuts could result in more trips to the emergency room because parents may not be able to afford their child’s asthma medication or insulin.

Dr. Mpasi says because Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal and state governments, cuts at the federal level would shift the cost to the state.

The pediatricians also said Medicaid cuts would lead to poor or no access to pediatricians and vaccines. This comes as COVID vaccine recommendations are causing confusion after RFK Jr. said healthy kids don’t need it.

“I think it’s a parent’s choice whether or not they immunize their child against COVID and to take away that choice is unfortunate, so I’m glad that the CDC decided to endorse a shared decision,” says PAAAP Vice President Dr. Toni Richards-Rowley, MD, FAAP. “They actually did recommend that all children get the vaccine in consultation with their pediatrician.”

A statement from the White House on Monday says Medicaid would be strengthened in “One Big Beautiful Bill” if those who are in the country illegally are removed from it. The bill passed the United States House of Representatives and still needs to be considered by the U.S. Senate.