Season 14 • Episode 1090

Senator Andy Kim on the MediKids Act

Aug 12, 2026

15:59

Health Policy Public Health Children's Health

Episode Description

About this episode:

Over four million children in the United States are uninsured, while many more lack health insurance that adequately meets their care needs. A proposed bill aims to fix that by providing universal health coverage for everyone aged zero to 26. In this episode: Senator Andy Kim, sponsor of the MediKids Act, on why now is the right time for this bill to become law and how it can be implemented by building on the existing Medicaid framework.

Guest:

Andy Kim, PhD, is a U.S. Senator from New Jersey. He previously held roles at the Pentagon, State Department, and White House.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009.

Show links and related content:

MediKids Act—Congress.gov
U.S. and State-by-State Child Health Coverage Trends—Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy
Underinsurance Among Children in the United States—Pediatrics

Transcript information:

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