New law improves access for medically complex children

Regarding “CMS seeks feedback on using out-of-state providers for Medicaid-covered children” (ModernHealthcare.com, Jan. 16), the agency is trying to troubleshoot the barriers that children with complex medical conditions face when receiving out-of-state care. To begin this process, they are reaching out to health professionals and families who receive out-of-state care to develop a plan that will help this population receive available care in an efficient manner.

By making services more accessible beyond residential state lines, a new law will impact health professionals like occupational therapists who provide services for these children. Occupational therapy professionals are experts in providing resources to vulnerable populations like children with multifaceted diagnoses to decrease financial burden while increasing quality of life.

This change will allow occupational therapists to better serve a population that was limited due to Medicaid’s restricting terms.

As a future occupational therapist, I believe it is incredibly important that individuals in need of our services are provided with the proper resources to obtain care. Without proper care, these children will regress and need more care, thus adding further financial and emotional burden on their families. Additionally, early intervention is one of the most productive forms of rehabilitation, so these children must receive these services while they are young and still developing.

Because there are areas throughout our country that are void of highquality services, these children and their families suffer. Therefore, making these services accessible beyond the child’s home state will help ensure that children are receiving necessary and effective care.

Courtney Schneider

Doctor of Occupational Therapy student

University of Pittsburgh