Letters: Medicaid is essential to child well-being

In South Carolina, 631,000 children rely on Medicaid and Healthy Connections Kids. This includes 49 percent of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, 49 percent of children with disabilities or other special health care needs, and 100 percent of children in foster care.

Medicaid covers well-child care, immunizations and dental care as well as treatment for acute and chronic illnesses and hospitalization.

Children enrolled in Medicaid miss fewer school days due to illness or injury than uninsured children. They do better in school and are more likely to graduate high school and attend college. They eventually earn higher wages. These are not opinions. They are facts.

Medicaid is a federal-state partnership that guarantees coverage for our most vulnerable children. If it is restructured without guaranteed protection for children, states will be forced to choose between covering children and other vulnerable groups. Per capita caps and block grants shift financial risk to the states. South Carolina cannot afford to assume that risk, putting children at risk.

Pediatricians care first and foremost about children. South Carolina’s children are our future. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have access to the best health care for the best outcomes. We must protect Medicaid and Healthy Connections for children in South Carolina. They are depending upon us.

This story was originally published April 2, 2017 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Letters: Medicaid is essential to child well-being."