Sen. Kim's MediKids Bill Gains Traction in House Democrats' Agenda
Becker's Hospital Review reports that as Medicare for All drew strong polling support ahead of the 2026 midterms, House Democrats' healthcare agenda stopped short of endorsing it, instead citing a consensus push toward universal coverage with Sen. Andy Kim's "MediKids" bill gaining traction. The bill, introduced in July, would broaden Medicaid eligibility to guarantee coverage through age 26, require states to automatically enroll newborns, allow guardians to opt out if other coverage exists, and set coverage without regard to immigration status. It would set the federal medical assistance percentage at 100% for the newly eligible population, with most provisions taking effect two years after enactment. The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists have endorsed the bill, and a New York Times commentary noted it was designed with budget reconciliation in mind.