Nation's Youngest Children Lose Health Coverage at an Alarming Rate

According to a recent Georgetown University study, the number of uninsured young children (under age six) in the U.S. increased significantly between 2016 and 2018, following many years of steady decline. Coverage losses were widespread from 2016-2018, with 11 states showing statistically significant increases in the rate and/or the number of young uninsured children. Missouri was among this group of states, showing an increase of 1.7% of uninsured children. 

Young children are more likely to be uninsured in states that have not expanded Medicaid to parents and other adults under the Affordable Care Act, and the gap is growing. Between 2016 and 2018, non-expansion states saw an increase in the rate of uninsured children under age six that was more than double what occurred in expansion states. Covering parents and caregivers is important to all children, especially so for young children during their critical developmental years. States that expand Medicaid to parents and other adults can expect to see an improvement in their children's insurance coverage rates as well.