Children’s HealthWatch is deeply concerned that Congress could not reach an agreement to keep the federal government open, threatening the stability of millions of families who rely on federal jobs and programs to meet their most basic needs.
“As a pediatrician, I see firsthand how quickly children’s health is affected when families lose access to the essentials—food, housing, and medical care,” said Dr. Diana Cutts, co-lead principal investigator at Children’s HealthWatch. “Government shutdowns can cut off vital programs that support basic needs, disrupting children’s growth and development at a time when every day is critical. We can’t afford to gamble with children’s futures. Congress must act to ensure families have the stability they need to raise healthy kids.”
One of the central issues preventing a budget agreement is the threat to healthcare. Enhanced premium tax credits, which lower health care premiums for families with low and moderate incomes, are set to expire this year. Without this support, millions of people face sharply higher healthcare costs: premiums are expected to nearly double for 22 million people, and 4.2 million people are projected to lose coverage altogether.
These changes will strain families’ household budgets—and when parents are forced to choose between paying for health insurance, food, or rent, children’s growth and development suffer. When parents lose their health insurance, children are less likely to get the health care they need, even when children are insured.
We call on Congress to work together swiftly to pass a spending agreement that reopens the government and protects children and families from rising costs of healthcare and basic needs. The health of the next generation, and the future of our country, depend on decisions made today.