Wisconsin News Connection

By: Trimmel Gomes

For the first time in a decade, the number of children without health coverage in the United States has gone up. According to a new report from the Georgetown University Center on Children and Families, the number of uninsured kids rose by more than 275,000 in 2017, and nearly 4 million children in the U.S. now lack coverage. Wisconsin saw an increase of 3,000, which means now, about 53,000 kids are without health insurance.

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Report co-author Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown Center, says the national increase in uninsured kids came during a year when the Trump administration cut the budget for publicizing affordable coverage and hiring “navigators” to help explain the enrollment process. “There’s been a steady effort by the Trump administration to create a climate of intimidation for immigrant families,” Alker adds. “So, a lot of uninsured kids are citizen kids, but they might have a parent who’s an immigrant. And those families are increasingly worried about interacting with the government.” Alker believes it’s in the nation’s best interest long-term to build upon years of bipartisan progress in reducing the number of uninsured children. She adds that when children’s health needs are met, their parents miss fewer days of work, kids are better able to learn in school and are better equipped to make positive contributions as adults.

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