Bruce Lesley's MyC-SPAN

Panelists discussed efforts to expand Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as efforts to improve health care access for legal immigrants.

“The Future of Medicaid Expansions and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)” was the morning plenary session of the Families USA 20th annual Health Action Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

Launch of a report on the overall state of children in the United States commissioned by former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). The report card provides a snapshot of the well-being of our children and highlights unmet needs. Speakers talked about investments in children, holding politicians accountable, and the need for public advocacy. Former Senators Dodd and Casey said the nation needs to consistently measure how children are doing and provide a road map to where we need to move forward.

The Foundation for Child Development released a Special Focus Report, “Trends in Infancy/Early Childhood and Middle Childhood Well-Being, 1994-2006.” It is the first comprehensive report on the overall health, education, well-being and quality of life of American children in their first decade of life using the Child Well-Being Index (CWI) developed by Professor Land. Early childhood experts, including Professor Land, discussed their experiences, the role of families and of family-supportive policies in influencing child outcomes, and what can and should be done to improve the lives of America’s youngest children.

Panelists responded to questions from the audience.