The National Academies Testimony before Congress

Public Laws Containing Studies for the National Academies

Briefings to Congress

Congressionally Mandated Reports

Policy Statements and Historical Documents

The OCGA staff

INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE
Division of Health Care Services
and
Board on Children, Youth, and Families
of the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council

*****

Congressional Briefing

on

America’s Children: Health Insurance and Access to Care

and

Systems of Accountability: Implementing Children’s Health Insurance Programs

An estimated 11 million American children lack health insurance, and the number increases annually. As part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Congress will provide $24 billion to states over five years to expand health insurance for children. America's Children: Health Insurance and Access to Care, a report from the Committee on Children, Health Insurance, and Access to Care, reviewed evidence on the relationship between public and private health insurance and access to health care. A companion report, Systems of Accountability: Implementing Children's Health Insurance Programs, made recommendations for implementing the new and expanded state programs.

This briefing was for Members of Congress and congressional staff. The reports were publicly released on June 11, 1998.