In 2007, the number of uninsured children fell by 500,000 to 8.1 million, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. This progress is a testament to the effectiveness of public programs, which were largely responsible for this movement, and to the strong support nationwide for covering children.
In 2006 and 2007, states across the country were moving forward in improving public programs for children. Most notably, along with expanding coverage, many sought to eliminate some of the unnecessary barriers that keep eligible, low-income children from enrolling in public programs. The new data indicate that the largest coverage gains were among the lowest-income children.
