Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Children’s Health Care Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) introduced the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would increase access to primary care for children and families by strengthening Medicaid. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this bill by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL). Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) are leading a companion bill in the Senate. 

“As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the impact that proper medical care can have for the health and well-being of families and children. The current Medicaid payment rate has led to fewer available doctors, longer waiting periods, and overall reduced health care coverage for families across the country,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “My bill offers a commonsense, clear solution. Almost half of the children in the United States are insured through Medicaid, so the best way to take care of our kids is to strengthen Medicaid.”

Currently, Medicaid pays at a lower rate than Medicare for the same primary care procedures and services. This discrepancy severely reduces the number of providers who participate in Medicaid and limits access to health care for children and families. In Washington alone, over 1.83 million individuals are insured through Medicaid, including over 840,000 children who depend on the program for their health care needs.

Congresswoman Schrier’s bill improves Medicaid coverage by ensuring that providers are paid at least the same rate as Medicare. Experts agree that higher Medicaid payment rates will broaden the provider network and increase access to care for Medicaid patients.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for tens of millions of American families, especially women and children—one in five women and nearly half of all children in America get their health care through Medicaid. Our legislation is a commonsense solution that would encourage more providers to see Medicaid patients and make it easier for families who rely on Medicaid to get timely care close to home,” said Senator Murray. “Right now, Republicans are doubling down on their plans to make deep cuts to Medicaid and rip away health care from millions of people who need it—it’s dangerous and flat-out-wrong. I’ll keep fighting back and working to strengthen Medicaid and bring down the cost of health care in America.”

"Access to comprehensive health coverage through the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid is essential for keeping our kids healthy,” said Rep. Castor. “Pediatricians and primary care providers play a crucial role in keeping families healthy and well. Our bill will strengthen Medicaid and the primary care workforce to ensure that families in Florida and across the country can continue to receive the high-quality health care they deserve.”

“Medicaid is the largest provider of healthcare coverage in Pennsylvania, ensuring reliable care for over 1.2 million children,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “To protect and strengthen this vital program, we must address the challenges posed by outdated payment rates. Our bipartisan Expand Health Care Access for Children bill will resolve coverage gaps, expand eligibility for additional providers, and enhance the provider network. This will ensure that families in Pennsylvania, and across the nation, receive the necessary care to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

“I want to thank Senator Murray and Representative Schrier for their unwavering commitment to children’s healthcare with the introduction of the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act,” said Jeff Sperring, MD, CEO of Seattle Children’s Hospital. “Now, more than ever, ensuring that children’s healthcare is prioritized is of the upmost importance. Healthy kids means a healthy community and a healthy future- this bill puts us closer to that goal.” 

“Children should be able to receive the health care they need, when they need it. For too long, low Medicaid payments have made it difficult for children to get timely care. The Kids' Access to Primary Care Act takes a critical first step to address the barriers families face when trying to access high quality primary care,” said AAP President Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP. “Raising Medicaid payments to at least Medicare rates for the same services will help ensure pediatricians and other primary care clinicians can provide the care children need to learn, grow, and thrive. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Representatives Schrier (D-Wash.), Castor (D-Fla.), and Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) for their continued leadership on this issue and calls on Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation without delay.” 

“Timely access to primary care for children is non-negotiable. The AAFP supports the Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act, which will help raise Medicaid payment rates for primary care services to Medicare levels,” Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP, President, American Academy of Family Physicians. “Increasing access to Medicaid coverage leads to better health outcomes and reduces long standing health disparities. We urge Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation to improve access to care and ensure family physicians have the resources they need to treat Medicaid patients.” 

“The WSMA believes that primary care is the foundation of an effective, efficient, patient-centered healthcare system. Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates to Medicare levels is essential to ensuring our patients have access to timely, quality healthcare,” said Washington State Medical Association President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. “Without adequate reimbursement, many physicians are unable to sustain their practices while serving this population, leading to reduced access to care, longer wait times, greater distances traveled, worsening health disparities, and associated increased healthcare costs. We applaud Congresswoman Schrier and Senator Murray for investing in the health of our communities by introducing the Kid’s Access to Primary Care Act of 2025.”

This legislation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Washington State Medical Association.