Senator Stabenow Statement on Announcement to Expand Medicaid for Flint Children, Pregnant Women

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement to expand Medicaid eligibility for thousands of pregnant women and children in Flint. This announcement follows a letter sent by Senator Stabenow, along with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI), calling on HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell to allow coverage for Flint’s children up to the age of 21:

“For nearly two years children in Flint were poisoned by their own drinking water because of a series of decisions made by the State of Michigan. Today’s announcement is a very significant step forward to ensure thousands of innocent children and pregnant moms have the comprehensive health and nutrition services they need to address the serious lead-exposure issues they may face.  This Medicaid expansion also creates hope as well as help for Flint families who are eager to provide their children with the best possible opportunities for healthy and successful lives.”