On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the US Congress, signed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, into law. The bill included the text of H.R. 1509, the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act, incorporated as Section 6101, which establishes a streamlined enrollment process for eligible out-of-state providers under Medicaid and CHIP.

This provision will allow kids who are currently enrolled in Medicaid to cross state lines to see a specialist, such as a congenital interventional cardiologist, when there isn't one in their home state. It cuts through the red tape associated with the enrollment process when moving from one state to another and helps kids access the care they need. SCAI wants to thank the bill's sponsors, Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), for working to get this bill included in the appropriations bill. 

"This legislation is about putting children and families first," said Dr. Miller-Meeks. "When a child has a complex medical condition, time matters. Families should not have to navigate endless red tape to access the best possible care for their child. The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act helps ensure children can get timely, coordinated, life-saving treatment when and where it’s available."