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In this episode of The Incubator, hosts Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Shetal Shah and Stephanie Glier, Director of Federal Advocacy for the American Academy of Pediatrics, to discuss the critical issue of continuous Medicaid coverage for children. The conversation dives deep into how Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) support approximately 50% of all U.S. children, with particular emphasis on how these programs benefit children with complex medical needs, such as those in the NICU. Dr. Shah highlights the importance of reducing coverage "churn," where children lose and regain coverage repeatedly, which can severely impact their care. Stephanie explains the changes in federal and state policies, including the new requirement for states to provide a minimum of 12 months of continuous coverage for children under Medicaid and CHIP. The discussion also touches on the significant advocacy efforts required to protect and expand these programs, with practical advice on how healthcare providers can get involved in their states. This episode emphasizes the critical role Medicaid plays in ensuring continuous, uninterrupted care for the most vulnerable children and encourages neonatologists to advocate for better healthcare coverage on both local and national levels.

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