Pediatric Access to Critical Health Care Act

S 4238, the Pediatric Access to Critical Health Care Act, provides $600 million annually (2024-2033) in federal grants to expand pediatric health care infrastructure. It directly affects children’s hospitals, qualified pediatric facilities, and nonprofit medical centers serving patients under 21, prioritizing those treating Medicaid recipients or underserved racial/ethnic communities. Key provisions fund renovations, emergency preparedness, workforce training, digital infrastructure upgrades, and new patient capacity - requiring grantees to cover 50% of costs with non-federal funds. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress on project impacts, ensuring transparency on how these grants improve access to pediatric care.