New Report: Children’s health coverage rising, at historic high

A new report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families out today finds that – contrary to popular perception – the rate of uninsured children across the US continues to decline.  According to the report these gains are the result of hard work by the federal government, many states and are reinforced by the requirements in the Affordable Care Act for expanding coverage.

At 7.2%, the uninsured rate for children is inching towards the 1% uninsured rate for the elderly and points the way to keeping on course with the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of coverage for adults. Unfortunately, North Carolina occupies a uncomfortable place in the data.  While our rate of uninsured children – 7.6% – is basically at the national average, we share the dubious distinction of being one of the six states (including Texas – with an embarrassing 12.4% uninsured kids) where over half of all uninsured children live.  Take a look at the full report, it’s worth it and also see CCF Director Joan Alker’s short take on the data and implications for the Affordable Care Act.  One final point.  This good news for children would not have happened without the success of NC’s Medicaid and children’s health insurance programs – government programs doing exactly what they were designed to do by stepping in and increasing child health coverage to help lay a strong foundation for the future success of our children.