Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) Fact Sheet: Medicaid Services for Children Under the DRA

November 5, 2008 The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005, P.L 109-171, was signed into law on February 8, 2006 and authorizes a number of mandatory and optional changes to Medicaid. The DRA includes several Medicaid provisions that affect children with emotional and behavioral disorders, including opportunities for States to improve access to community-based care. Since its enactment in 1965, Medicaid has provided a broad array of services for children, particularly through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) mandate. However, many children with emotional and behavioral disorders have been unable to access the kinds . . .