Medicaid for Every Child Act

S 2816, the Medicaid for Every Child Act, would expand Medicaid coverage to all children from birth through age 19 in the U.S., regardless of immigration status. It requires states to automatically enroll newborns in Medicaid at birth (with a parent/guardian opt-out option if the child has other qualifying health coverage), ensures continuous eligibility through age 19, and removes immigration status barriers for coverage. The bill also provides 100% federal funding for these children's medical assistance, excluding Medicaid coverage from counting as "minimum essential coverage" under tax law. Most provisions would take effect two years after enactment. This directly affects all children under 19 in the U.S., including those with undocumented immigration status.