Every child deserves the ability to live a healthy life. Medicaid has transformed children’s health for generations.

Since 1967, Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit has ensured that millions of children and youth under 21 receive the preventive and medically necessary care they need to grow and thrive. From well-child visits and behavioral health services to specialty care, EPSDT guarantees a comprehensive standard of care that exceeds what’s often available to adults.

In our first issue brief celebrating Medicaid’s 60-year legacy, we explore how EPSDT has shaped the health and well-being of children across the nation, from reduced infant mortality to improved lifelong outcomes.

In this issue brief, you’ll learn:

• How EPSDT ensures comprehensive, necessary care for children enrolled in Medicaid
• How Medicaid and CHIP work together to expand coverage and improve health outcomes for millions of children
• What current trends and challenges are shaping children’s access to care, including eligibility, provider capacity, and managed care performance