The Economic Advantages of Prioritizing Children’s Health

Evidence from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

A recent nonpartisan study conducted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has highlighted the importance of investing in children’s health for the sake of long-term fiscal benefits. According to the study, programs like Medicaid, which provide long-term benefits to children, can prove to be more cost-effective than initially anticipated when considering their long-term effects. The study suggests that over a span of 70 years, the return on investment from these programs could range from as low as 151 to as high as 197. This means that the potential return could be almost double the initial investment, depending on factors like whether the policy was deficit financed. The findings of this study hold valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the need to prioritize children’s health in public health funding and policy decisions.