Highlights of the AAP Federal Government Affairs Meeting,

September, 2004

1.  The Children's Health Protection and Improvement Act of 2004 (S. 2759; H.R. 4936):  Over $1 billion dollars of SCHIP funds will revert to the treasury if this bill is not passed.  Action has been deferred until Congress returns to work after the November elections.  These funds are necessary to ensure that states are able to maintain their SCHIP enrollment.  Already, two states have exhausted their SCHIP federal funds and as many as seven states may not have adequate funds to maintain current SCHIP enrollment by next year.  This proposal will keep all unspent SCHIP funds within the SCHIP program (until the program is reauthorized in 2007) and will not allow them to revert to the treasury, but will redistribute them to the states, giving an increased percentage to eligible high-spending states for their programs.   

2. Medikids Health Insurance (S. 588; H.R. 1205):  Legislation introduced in March, 2003 would create a unified health care system for all children regardless of family income.  Medikids would make coverage automatic and promote uniform benefits.  As of August, 2004, there are 7 Senate sponsors and 79 House sponsors.   The Academy strongly supports this legislation.

3.   Pediatric Medical Devices:  Children have medical devices needs that can differ markedly from that of adults.  Senate staff are interested in developing legislation that will address unmet pediatric needs.  The Institute of Medicine is studying postmarketing surveillance of pediatric medical devices and will report back to Congress by October, 2006.  AAP is also providing information to the FDA at a series of meetings on this issue.

4.  Medicaid Payment Advisory Commission:  The Academy supports the development of a Medicaid Payment Advisory Commission that would advise CMS and Congress on physician coding and payment related to state Medicaid programs.  Legislation has not yet been introduced. 

5.  Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC):  H.R. 3999 was introduced that would eliminate the EMSC program.  The Academy is working closely with Congress and other organizations to preserve the EMSC program.

6.  Assault Weapons Ban/Reauthorization:  The ten year assault weapon ban expired on September 13, 2004.  There is legislation proposed (H.R. 2038; S. 1431) to strengthen and make the ban permanent.  There is also legislation (S. 2498) proposed to reauthorize the assault weapons ban.

7.  The 16th AAP Legislative Conference:  The conference will be held in April, 2005.  The Government Affairs Handbook is being updated and will be ready for the April conference.    

More information on these and other current federal issues can be found at  the AAP Department of Federal Affairs  website or by phone at 800-336-5475.