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In Their Own Words
How Parents Can Prepare for Major Medicaid Changes
Two Pediatricians Share Key Dates and Practical Next Steps
Print:
This op-ed originally appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on February 11, 2026.
“Another month without insurance,” our patient’s mother sighed. She had brought her 18-month old to all his doctor’s appointments in his first year. Then his Medicaid coverage was cut off, and she had no idea why.
She tried multiple times to contact Medicaid, but couldn’t get through, and assumed incorrectly that this must be due to changes in the state-federal insurance program she had heard about on the news. She spent a week’s wages on care so her baby would not fall behind on his recommended visits, but wondered if she could afford future appointments. What would happen if he needed emergency care?
As pediatricians, we worry about kids not getting the care they need. Health insurance, particularly Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), is essential to children receiving recommended care. Navigating insurance coverage is confusing on a good day. We know it’s about to become even more challenging for children to get and stay covered because of changes coming to the Medicaid program.
Fortunately, there was positive news to share with our patient that we wanted to share with everyone: Medicaid has not changed yet. Plus, there are things families can do to prepare for upcoming changes.
Read the full op-ed here.
Authors
Elizabeth (Betsy) Salazar, MD, MSHP
Assistant Professor, Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Diana Montoya-Williams, MD, MSHP
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine; Attending Neonatologist, Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia;
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