Too Many Texas Children Lack Health Coverage
Texas has by far the worst uninsured rate for children in the nation.
Children’s Uninsured Rate, 2018
Source: US Census Bureau
And it’s getting worse.
Uninsured Rate of Children in Texas
Source: US Census Bureau
A big reason it’s getting worse:
Children’s enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP is falling in Texas and nationwide.
Children’s Enrollment in Texas Medicaid/CHIP
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
During this time period, enrollment fell by 228,000 children, a 7 percent decline.
Causes of the spike in the children’s uninsured rate include:
Reduced funding for outreach and consumer assistance
Fear that participation of US citizen and legal immigrant children may threaten a parent’s immigration status
Eligible children losing Medicaid coverage due to excessive red tape
Companion One-Pager: One Way to Reduce the Uninsured Rate for Texas Kids