Pediatricians are alarmed by the increasing rate at which Missouri children are losing Medicaid coverage

Dr. Maya Moody, a pediatrician in St. Louis, has been witnessing the devastating consequences of children losing Medicaid coverage in Missouri due to delays and bureaucratic issues. Many children are missing out on vital medical care, such as vaccines and prescriptions for chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes. The state’s Medicaid rolls have declined significantly due to a recertification process that started in June 2023, with over half of the decline being children. This decline is largely due to procedural issues, such as paperwork problems, leading to delays in coverage reinstatement. Missouri’s application processing times for Medicaid have been among the worst in the nation, prompting federal intervention to address the situation. Children are being hospitalized because they cannot afford their medications or are unable to access care due to lack of coverage. Rural areas without pediatricians taking Medicaid are facing challenges as families drive long distances for care, only to be turned away. Parents and advocates trying to navigate the system to reinstate coverage face numerous barriers, including technology and staffing issues. Advocates are calling for immediate action to address these issues and ensure that children in Missouri have access to the medical care they need. The heartbreaking stories shared by healthcare providers and families highlight the urgent need for solutions to these systemic problems in the state’s Medicaid program.

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