EPSDT — Medicaid’s Mandate for Children and Adolescents

Manatt Health Partner  co-authored a New England Journal of Medicine article discussing the importance of Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit for children and youth, and how its implementation can continue to advance health outcomes for this group. 

Last year, Medicaid sent reminders to state health officials of their responsibilities to effectively implement the EPSDT benefit under Medicaid, following a 2022 mandate. The EPSDT benefit aims to provide comprehensive care to children of low-income families and reduce rates of chronic diseases, leading to healthier adults, the article noted. “Medicaid and CHIP play central roles in improving the health and well-being of children in the United States and therefore in building a stronger workforce. We believe the health care community’s support for Medicaid amid proposals for reform should include advocating for the full realization of the promise of EPSDT,” wrote the authors.  

New England Journal of Medicine subscribers can read the full article .