Politics Influencing H.R. 1117

The objective of the Medically Fragile Children’s Act of 2009 can be seen in our “What is H.R. 1117” post. This is a bipartisan bill that is sponsored by two democrats and a republican. Being new to legislation, the bill currently has a small following and no major political entities or figures involved. H.R. 1117’s head sponsor is Tammy Baldwin (D) is also head sponsor of current billsH.R.307 Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, H.R.805 Strengthening America's Public Health System Act, and H.R.389 Family Fairness Act of 2009. All of these bills involve assisting individuals with health care much like H.R.1117.

Current research shows a need for providing an inclusive program for medically fragile children under Medicaid coverage. According to the study Does Public Insurance Provide Better Financial Protection Against Rising Health Care Costs for Families of Children With Special Health Care Needs? (2008) , a multivariate analysis indicated that, given the economy-wide increase in medical costs between 2001 and 2004, a family with children with special health care needs (CSHCN) was at increased risk in 2004 for having financial burden exceeding 10% of family income. Similar findings were noted for financial burden exceeding 20% of family income. Over 15% of families with public insurance had financial burden exceeding 10% of family income compared with 20% of families with private insurance. After controlling for covariates, publicly-insured families of CSHCN had significantly lower likelihood of financial burden of >10% or 20% of family income than privately-insured families.

As of present, care for medically complicated children under Medicaid is disjointed and redundant, providing no incentive to coordinate care, education, and therapy in a way that will improve the health of the child while reducing hospitalizations and unnecessary spending. Research shows that the model currently used at MUSC , which was developed through a partnership with Palmetto Health and the state Medicaid program, has made significant strides in bringing the needs for these children under one roof.