Report from UnidosUS: Over 1 Million Texas Children without Health Coverage

A recent UnidosUS report shows that Texas still has the highest uninsured rate in the country, with more than 1.1 million kids lacking coverage in 2024.

Children of all backgrounds in Texas have uninsured rates well above the national average, and the UnidosUS report shows that Latino children in Texas face particularly high uninsured rates. The UnidosUS report also points out that the lack of coverage is seen in every region of the state:

• West Texas, where 16% of children are uninsured and 83% of them are Latino.

• Panhandle, where 15% of children are uninsured and 42% of them are Latino.

• Rio Grande Valley, where 15% of children are uninsured and 97% of them are Latino.

• North Texas, where 15% of children are uninsured and 58% of them are Latino.

• Southeast Texas, where 14% of children are uninsured and 70% of them are Latino.

These numbers confirm that children’s health coverage is a statewide challenge and must be addressed through statewide solutions.  

Most uninsured children are actually eligible for Medicaid but are not enrolled – meaning the Texas Legislature could significantly reduce the uninsured rate by ensuring that eligible kids can get connected to coverage they already qualify for.