# Understanding the ChiPACC Act of 2021

This bill creates a new option for states to provide specialized care for children with serious, life-threatening illnesses through their Medicaid programs. Right now, children with conditions like terminal cancer or severe genetic disorders often struggle to access coordinated care that combines medical treatment with comfort-focused services. This bill aims to fix that problem by making it easier for states to offer what's called a "Children's Program of All-Inclusive Coordinated Care," or ChiPACC.

Here's what the program actually does: Instead of bouncing between different doctors and hospitals, a child enrolled in ChiPACC would have one coordinated team managing their care. This team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker or counselor, and case manager who work together to create a comprehensive care plan. The program covers not just medical treatment, but also pain management, counseling for the child and family, respite care (giving parents a break), and bereavement support for families. Importantly, this care can start right after diagnosis—children don't have to wait until they're expected to die within six months, which is the current requirement for hospice care.

The bill gives states flexibility to set up these programs without going through lengthy waiver approval processes. Five states have already run successful ChiPACC programs and found they actually save money by keeping kids at home receiving outpatient care instead of expensive hospital stays. States that adopt this option can choose which children qualify, where the program operates, and how to structure it. The federal government would cover its normal share of Medicaid costs, and states could waive copayments and deductibles for enrolled families. For families with seriously ill children, this means potentially better quality of life and less financial burden during an incredibly difficult time.

ChiPACC Act of 2021

DeGette, Diana

ChiPACC Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for states to cover children's programs of all-inclusive coordinated care under Medicaid.