Children’s Health

Children are not “little adults.” They have specific and unique health needs that must be addressed in an age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate manner, taking into consideration the families and communities in which they live. Children’s health has been a longstanding priority area for Health Care For All and the organization is a leader in the following children’s health coalitions:

Our Mission

CHAC is a coalition of providers, community organizations, child advocates, and other stakeholders committed to ensuring that all children in Massachusetts have access to and receive age-appropriate, comprehensive, and affordable health care services throughout childhood, from prenatal to adolescent and early adult years.

Our Vision

CHAC envisions a system that:

  • Provides affordable, comprehensive, readily accessible, high quality, coordinated, continuous care for all children
  • Effectively serves children with special health needs
  • Delivers linguistically and culturally appropriate services
  • Addresses unmet needs
  • Promotes health equity

History & Accomplishments

CHAC has played a key role in expanding health coverage to over 98% of the Commonwealth’s children and adolescents. CHAC initially formed to pass Chapter 203 of the Acts of 1996, which expanded Medicaid to more children and young families and increased funding for the Children’s Medical Security Plan.

Now, MassHealth – the state’s combined Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program – now provides coverage for approximately 40% of the Commonwealth’s children and adolescents. CHAC continues to prioritize protecting and improving MassHealth and health care programs that enable children and families to access care.

How can I get involved in this coalition?

There is still much work to do. Are you and your organization passionate about breaking down the barriers to coverage and care for all children in Massachusetts? To learn more about CHAC and to get involved, please contact Yaminah Romulus or Noemi Uribe to learn more.

Children’s Mental Health Campaign

The Children’s Mental Health Campaign (CMHC) is a large statewide network that advocates for policy, systems, and practice solutions to ensure all children in Massachusetts have access to resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental health issues in a timely, effective, and compassionate way.

The CMHC is led by six partner organizations: Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Boston Children’s Hospital, Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Health Law Advocates, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and Health Care For All.

Email Courtney to learn more

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Care Defender

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