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Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) on Tuesday introduced the MediKids Act, legislation that would guarantee healthcare coverage for every child in the U.S. from birth through age 26 by automatically enrolling them in Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
“As parents, we promise to do all we can to look after the health and safety of our children. Nothing is more essential than caring for our kids, but as a country, we are failing to uphold that same promise,” Kim said in a statement announcing the legislation.
“Millions of children are falling through the cracks of our healthcare system, and we are the only ones who can stand up and help. I built MediKids to be a step we can take right now to guarantee every single child in the United States the care they need, when they need it. No kid should go without care in our country.”
The legislation would automatically enroll children in the program at birth, provide continuous eligibility through age 26 regardless of income, immigration status or health condition, and fully cover the population through a 100% federal medical assistance percentage.
The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).
Addressing Coverage Gaps
According to Kim’s office, about 4.4 million children in the U.S. lack health insurance, while roughly one in three children, or about 23 million, are underinsured, meaning their existing coverage does not adequately meet their healthcare needs.
In a video released alongside the legislation, Kim argued the current system is failing families and said every child should have access to medical care.
“Every child deserves to be healthy. Every child should have the ability to go to a doctor when they’re sick,” Kim said.
He added that the proposal is intended to improve long-term health outcomes while easing financial burdens on families.
“Healthy kids make healthy adults. And that makes for a healthier, stronger future for our country.”
Kim also said parents should be able to care for their children without worrying about “going into debt, emptying your savings, or straining the family budget.”
The proposal has received endorsements from several healthcare and children’s advocacy organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, First Focus Campaign for Children, Families USA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Coverage Gaps and Rising Costs
Kim’s proposal comes as recent CDC data showed the U.S. uninsured rate remained at 8.3% in 2025, leaving roughly 28 million Americans without health insurance. The agency also found uninsured rates were significantly higher in states that have not expanded Medicaid, highlighting persistent disparities in access to coverage.
The legislation also arrives amid mounting concerns over healthcare affordability. A June Mercer report projected employer health benefit costs will increase 6.7% in 2026 to at least $18,500 per employee, the largest annual increase in 15 years. The report also found insurers are expected to raise employer plan costs for a fourth consecutive year, with many employers shifting higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs to workers, underscoring broader pressures across the U.S. healthcare system.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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This article Sen. Andy Kim Unveils 'MediKids Act' to Guarantee Healthcare From Birth to Age 26: 'No Kid Should Go Without Care' originally appeared on Benzinga.com.
