The uninsured rate for children in the United States has the potential to rise significantly if states do not take adequate measures to maintain current coverage levels. A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families warns that the country could experience a surge in the number of uninsured children as a result of policy changes and funding cuts.
The report notes that the uninsured rate for children has declined significantly over the past decade, thanks in part to the Affordable Care Act and other programs. However, recent policy changes, including the repeal of the individual mandate and funding cuts for outreach and enrollment efforts, have put this progress at risk.
Several states are already experiencing increases in the number of uninsured children. In Texas, for example, the uninsured rate for children increased from 9.8% in 2016 to 11.2% in 2019. Other states could experience similar trends if they do not take proactive steps to maintain current coverage levels.