THIS IS THE DAILY BRIEFING FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-REFORM PROGRAM. IT PROVIDES AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THE ADMINISTRATION IS PROMOTING ITS PLAN. THIS ITEM WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SAME SUBJECT LINE (WITH DIFFERENT DATES) SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP IT IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO READ IT.] The White House Health Care Reform Today November 15, 1993 * Under the Health Security Act, all children are guaranteed comprehensive health care coverage. That means 9.5 million children under age 18 who are currently uninsured will be covered. * Numerous studies have shown that mothers who receive early and continuous prenatal care are more likely to give birth to healthy babies. The Health Security Act furnishes complete prenatal care at no cost to families. The Health Security Act invests in keeping Americans healthy. By providing treatment early and by emphasizing preventive care, we help keep people healthy and keep our health care costs down. * The Health Security Act benefits include full coverage of well-baby care, immunizations and preventive services, also at no additional charge, to help ensure that our children get off to a healthy start. Today, these services are covered by only about one-third of private insurance plans. * While our current system provides coverage for many low-income women and children through Medicaid, many have difficulty finding providers who will treat them for the low rates paid by the Medicaid program. Under the Health Security Act, low-income families have the same choice of plans as other families in their area. Premium discounts and assistance with cost-sharing keep out-of-pocket costs within the means of families with limited incomes. * Children who are now covered by Medicaid will continue to be covered. In addition, they will be eligible for wrap-around services. These services are currently covered under Medicaid but are not included under the comprehensive benefits package. Wrap-around services guarantee that such services remain available to Medicaid recipients to supplement the comprehensive benefits package. This will preserve coverage for medically necessary services, expand coverage for physical and mental health services and maintain coverage for support services such as transportation and case management. * The Health Security Act also calls for additional funds for the supplemental food program for women, infants and children (WIC). The President's proposal authorizes $250 million for WIC in 1996, increasing to $411 million by the year 2000. This is part of the Act's overall emphasis on preventing illness before it happens.