2006 Reports

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005: Opportunities and Challenges for ECCS Initiatives

Johnson, Kay

This Project THRIVE Short Take examines the potential impact of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) on health access and coverage for young children ages birth to 5 years. The core provisions of the DRA are described in contrast to existing law, and opportunities and threats are discussed. The last section offers recommendations and resources for further study. Each state's Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS) initiative has a component focused on assuring health access and a medical home for every child. The DRA changes to Medicaid have important implications for assuring health coverage and access and will potentially have their greatest impact on young children who are more likely to be covered through Medicaid than older children. These new options and requirements in Medicaid should be considered both in states developing ECCS plans and those implementing early childhood system changes.