AAP Endorsed Principles on Access

1. Every child must have quality health insurance.
2. Health insurance should be a right, regardless of income, for all children, pregnant women, their families, and ultimately all individuals.
3. All health insurance plans should have a comprehensive age appropriate benefits package such as that of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. All children should have access to primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical specialists, pediatric mental and dental professionals, and hospitals with appropriate pediatric expertise.
5. All health plans should have payment rates that assure children receive all recommended and needed health services.
6. Health insurance should be fully portable and provide continuous coverage.
7. Administrative aspects should be streamlined and simplified.
8. Families should have a choice of clinician(s).
9. Health plans should complement and coordinate with existing maternal and child health programs to ensure maximum health benefits to families.

Updated: March 2007