RESUMO
Regardless of the ultimate outcome of health reform, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 set the stage for the potential to transform children's health care in the United States. The legislation included landmark provisions to find and enroll eligible low income children, as well as an unprecedented investment in quality measurement and demonstrations focused on improving health care delivery for children. However, many choices remain for the Federal government and states in implementing these provisions that could significantly affect their ultimate success. This commentary summarizes a larger report developed from legislative analysis and expert input and provides a set of recommendations for the federal government officials charged with implementing Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. It focuses on two key provisions of the legislation which will be important regardless of the outcome of current health reform debates, enrollment and outreach and the broad set of quality related provisions, and explores the importance and specific potential impact of this legislation on children with developmental and behavioral needs.
