Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act

10/4/2024, 8:07 PM

Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act

This bill requires state Medicaid programs to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may temporarily treat children without undergoing additional screening requirements. It also requires pass-through pricing models for covered drugs under Medicaid.

Specifically, states must establish a process through which qualifying providers may enroll for five years as participating providers to treat individuals under the age of 21 without undergoing additional screening requirements, unless the state has an agreement with other states that governs coverage of children with medically complex conditions that is in accordance with specified guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

A qualifying provider (1) must not have been excluded or terminated from participating in a federal health care program or state Medicaid program; and (2) must have been successfully enrolled in Medicare or a state Medicaid program based on a determination that the provider posed a limited risk of fraud, waste, or abuse.

In addition, the bill requires pass-through pricing models, and prohibits spread-pricing, for payment arrangements with pharmacy benefit managers under Medicaid.

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 4758, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to healthcare for children by streamlining the process for pediatric specialists to obtain licenses to practice in multiple states.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the creation of a streamlined process for pediatric specialists to obtain a license to practice in multiple states. This would make it easier for children in rural or underserved areas to access specialized care without having to travel long distances.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase access to telehealth services for children by expanding reimbursement for these services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This would allow children to receive care from pediatric specialists remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and making healthcare more accessible for families. Overall, the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act seeks to improve access to healthcare for children by making it easier for pediatric specialists to practice across state lines and expanding telehealth services. This could have a significant impact on children's health outcomes, particularly for those in underserved areas.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 4758

Introduced on
2023-07-19

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

7/23/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act

This bill requires state Medicaid programs to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may temporarily treat children without undergoing additional screening requirements. It also requires pass-through pricing models for covered drugs under Medicaid.

Specifically, states must establish a process through which qualifying providers may enroll for five years as participating providers to treat individuals under the age of 21 without undergoing additional screening requirements, unless the state has an agreement with other states that governs coverage of children with medically complex conditions that is in accordance with specified guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

A qualifying provider (1) must not have been excluded or terminated from participating in a federal health care program or state Medicaid program; and (2) must have been successfully enrolled in Medicare or a state Medicaid program based on a determination that the provider posed a limited risk of fraud, waste, or abuse.

In addition, the bill requires pass-through pricing models, and prohibits spread-pricing, for payment arrangements with pharmacy benefit managers under Medicaid.

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 4758, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to healthcare for children by streamlining the process for pediatric specialists to obtain licenses to practice in multiple states.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the creation of a streamlined process for pediatric specialists to obtain a license to practice in multiple states. This would make it easier for children in rural or underserved areas to access specialized care without having to travel long distances.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase access to telehealth services for children by expanding reimbursement for these services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This would allow children to receive care from pediatric specialists remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and making healthcare more accessible for families. Overall, the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act seeks to improve access to healthcare for children by making it easier for pediatric specialists to practice across state lines and expanding telehealth services. This could have a significant impact on children's health outcomes, particularly for those in underserved areas.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to streamline enrollment under the Medicaid program of certain providers across State lines, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Child health
Health care coverage and access
Health programs administration and funding
Medicaid
State and local government operations

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/16/2024

Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act

This bill requires state Medicaid programs to establish a process through which qualifying out-of-state providers may temporarily treat children without undergoing additional screening r...


Latest Action9/18/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.