Texas, Florida & California are Home to 37% of Eligible but Uninsured Kids

 

Today, the Urban Institute released an update to last year’s report on Medicaid/CHIP participation rates for children. Since 2008, Medicaid/CHIP participation rates have increased by 5.5 percentage points, from 81.7% in 2008 to 87.2% in 2011. Statistically significant increases have taken place in each of the last three years.

States have had great success increasing their participation rate for children in Medicaid/CHIP. In 2011, nineteen states and DC had had rates of 90% or above. In 2008, it was only four states that were at 90% or above. One reason for the success is that many states have introduced policy changes to improve enrollment and renewal procedures in both Medicaid and CHIP.

While the 2011 Medicaid/CHIP participation rate is above the 2010 rate and this is having a positive impact on children, there are still some states lagging behind. A total of fourteen states had participation rates below 85%. Just three states—California, Florida, and Texas—have about 37% of all children who are eligible for Medicaid/CHIP but uninsured. Further progress on covering children can be made by increasing participation in these lower-performing states.  Unfortunately, two of the states with the most eligible but uninsured kids – Texas and Florida – have so far refused to take advantage of the Medicaid option for low-income adults, which is one of the most effective ways to reach these kids.  Putting a welcome mat out for uninsured parents would encourage more families to come through the door and sign up for coverage together.

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