February 16, 2026
This February, Healthi Kids took our case to Albany, sharing the importance of investing in kids ages birth-5 with New York State legislators.
On February 3rd, Healthi Kids joined with New York Healthy Steps to ask lawmakers to support HealthySteps, a proven program that helps babies and their caregivers thrive.
HealthySteps is an evidence-based approach that places an early childhood development specialist right in a pediatric doctor’s office. At well-child visits, families can get screening, guidance, and quick connections to supports like lactation help, sleep and behavior coaching, mental health resources, and referrals for services. As Stephanie David, director of early childhood policy at Common Ground Health, explained, “HealthySteps is a pediatric, infant mental health–centered program that supports families with kids ages birth to three.” It’s designed for the moments when parents need more than a 15-minute checkup—they need a teammate.
Over the last five years, New York State invested startup funds to grow HealthySteps across the state. As of May 2025, the model operates in more than a hundred pediatric practices, including several sites in our region, and reaches about 150,000 children and families annually. But those original dollars were one-time funds. Without a way to pay for HealthySteps going forward, some practices will have to scale back or end their Healthy Steps programs—right as families have come to rely on them.
That’s why this month’s advocacy push focused on supporting a pair of bills—S7833A in the Senate and A8048A in the Assembly—that would create a simple, sustainable fix. The legislation directs the Department of Health to set up an add-on payment for pediatric practices that provide HealthySteps during well-child visits covered by Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care. In plain terms, the add-on recognizes the extra time and expertise it takes to address a baby’s development and a caregiver’s needs—so practices can keep offering those services without worrying about the bottom line.
HealthySteps also makes fiscal sense. Independent studies show an average Medicaid return on investment of 163% for every $1 invested, states save about $2.63 in Medicaid costs each year, even when measured over just 12 months. That means fewer emergency visits, fewer costly referrals down the line, and stronger, healthier families from the start.
Healthi Kids also traveled to Albany on February 10th with parent leaders and partners through the Kids Can’t Wait campaign, organized by The Children’s Agenda and allies from across New York. We spent the day meeting with lawmakers and their staff, sharing clear priorities and real stories from families. We emphasized that early intervention doesn’t just feel right, it works. “The majority of brain development happens in those early years. The best time to intervene for kids is when their brains are developing,” said David. “Supporting these programs is a priority for Healthi Kids because evidence shows they work. As with our Love from the Start campaign, we’re making sure kids get what they need from birth to age five so everything that follows is stronger.”