We have been digging deeper into the American Community Survey that we use for our annual uninsured report, which showed an increase overall for the first time since this data source began in 2008.

Younger kids tend to have a higher rate of coverage than older kids, which makes sense as infants and toddlers are constantly interacting with the health system in most parents’ experience. Immunizations, well baby, and well child visits are critical to addressing any issues early on and focusing on prevention.

However, as Figure 6 shows, there was a statistically significant increase in both groups of kids: those under 6 and those between six and 18.

When we checked out this trend by state, we found that five states (including a few biggies) were leading the way on this most unfortunate trend with statistically significant increases for the rise in uninsured kids under 6. In alphabetical order they are Florida, Kentucky, Montana, New York and Tennessee.

You can see how your state did here. And my colleagues Maggie Clark and Elisabeth Burak will be blogging soon to unpack what the implications of this troubling trend are.