The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced 3 key actions which could strengthen access to healthcare for children nationwide. This is part of the work by the HHS to address the mental health crisis in the United States and its impact on children.
In a new guidance document, the HHS reminded states that they are required to provide behavioral health services for children as a part of Medicaid. States were urged to use their resources to improve mental health care for children.
Another guidance document urged the expanding of school-based health care for children, which would include mental health care. The third document brought up implementing a rule for states to report certain quality measures which would strengthen Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This would give millions of children access to high-quality mental health care.