The U.S. Census data released today held some good news on the health coverage of America’s children and families. While poverty remained unacceptably high, the rate of uninsured children continued to decline.

The uninsured rate for children declined from 9.4 percent in 2011 to 8.9 percent in 2012. This is mainly due to the success of Medicaid and CHIP and efforts to make it easier for children and young adults to get and retain coverage that were initiated by the enactment of CHIPRA and the Affordable Care Act.

Sadly, childhood poverty continues to remain high with one in 5 children living in poverty. Children living in poverty are more likely to be uninsured (12.9%) than those above the poverty level (7.7%).

Most uninsured children are already eligible but not yet enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP coverage in their states. We commend those states that are removing barriers to coverage and encourage more states to put out a welcome mat.

Another important option states can exercise to enhance the financial security of low-income children and families is to accept the federal funding for the ACA’s Medicaid option for low-income adults. When parents have health care coverage, they are able to stay healthier and avoid debilitating medical debt. That helps improve the financial security for their whole family.

Census data shows that the South was the only region in the country to see an increase in the number of people living in poverty. Most states in the region have not yet moved ahead with the Medicaid expansion.