Mark Marcantano is the regional president of Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley.
The news is filled with opinions about Medicaid, but here is an undeniable fact: At Nemours Children’s Health-Delaware, nearly half the children we care for rely on Medicaid. Every day, we see how this essential program ensures that kids get the medical care they need to grow, learn and thrive — regardless of their family’s income or ZIP code.
It is critical that both Congress and the public realize that Medicaid is more than a safety net. It is health coverage for the most vulnerable in our communities — especially children.
Consider Violet’s story. When she was 6 months old, she wasn’t meeting developmental milestones, prompting her pediatrician to refer her to Delaware’s Birth to Three Early Intervention Program. Weekly physical therapy began, but progress was slow. Genetic testing and neurology referrals were recommended, and Violet’s family was advised to apply for Medicaid to help cover the high cost of care.
Violet was ultimately diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to congenital cytomegalovirus, a condition that affects movement and posture. She was able to enroll in a specialized medical day care, where she receives physical, occupational and speech therapy multiple times a week. These intensive services, all covered by Medicaid, are critical to her development. Without this coverage, Violet would have had to attend a traditional day care — an environment that simply wouldn’t meet her needs. Her mother would have had to take significant time off work to transport her to therapy appointments or even leave her job entirely. Medicaid provided access to the care Violet needs without sacrificing her family’s financial stability.
Today, at 2 years old, Violet cannot sit independently or walk, but she communicates through gestures and expressions, and her family is filled with hope for her future.
This is what Medicaid makes possible.
Last week, committees in the U.S. House of Representatives have been considering “budget reconciliation” legislation that could impact Medicaid’s future. Changes to Medicaid funding or policy could limit access to necessary health care, leading to poorer medical outcomes and increased economic hardship for children and families.
I appreciate the Delaware congressional delegation’s long-standing support for Medicaid. I urge lawmakers across the nation to continue supporting this essential program.
Nationally, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program cover nearly 80 million people, including more than 37 million children. Medicaid covers more than 40% of all births in the U.S. and provides coverage for more than 45% of children with special health care needs through Medicaid coverage alone or via a combination of Medicaid and private coverage.
In Delaware, more than 110,000 children are covered by Medicaid and CHIP. Medicaid also covers over 40% of births in the state and nearly 46% of children and youth with special medical needs through Medicaid coverage alone or through a combination of Medicaid and private insurance. Without Medicaid, many children would otherwise go without the care, support and services they need.
These numbers are more than statistics. They represent children receiving chemotherapy, managing chronic conditions, recovering from surgery or simply getting a well checkup. Medicaid supports prenatal, maternity and postpartum care for families, and helps provide access to mental health services. Medicaid allows hospitals and clinics to continue offering high-quality care in underserved and rural areas, where other insurance options may be limited or nonexistent.
During economic downturns, Medicaid becomes even more vital. Families who lose private insurance rely on it for continuity of care. Others with private insurance depend on Medicaid for family members with complex medical cases that exceed their coverage.
Protecting Medicaid is not just a policy decision — it’s a commitment to the health and well-being of our next generation.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
