In the past two years, there has been a startling decline in health insurance coverage for children in the United States. Following a historic low of uninsured kids in 2016, the early years of the Trump administration have seen a significant setback, with 400,000 fewer children now having coverage.
A recent analysis by the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, using data from the Census Bureau, reveals that in 2018, approximately 4.1 million children were uninsured. This is a notable increase from the 3.6 million uninsured children recorded in 2016 under Obama’s healthcare policies. The uninsured rate rose from 4.7 percent in 2016 to 5.2 percent just two years later.
Joan Albright, the executive director of the Georgetown Center, expressed concern over these findings, especially given that the economy is currently experiencing growth and job creation. With a potential recession on the horizon, she fears that children’s health insurance rates could decline even further.
The shift in coverage can largely be attributed to the stark differences in healthcare policies between the Trump and Obama administrations. “Many of the advancements in children’s health coverage achieved through the Affordable Care Act have been rolled back,” Albright noted.
The study’s authors identified several political factors contributing to the rise in uninsured children. Efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle Obamacare, cuts to Medicaid, and delays in funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have exacerbated the issue. Additionally, reductions in outreach programs designed to enroll families into Obamacare have not helped the situation. The administration’s strict immigration policies have also discouraged many Latinx families from seeking coverage for their children.
The decline in coverage was most pronounced among white and Latinx children, particularly those under six years old. Families earning between $29,000 and $50,000 were most affected, but even higher-income families experienced coverage losses, likely due to rising premiums amid uncertainty surrounding Obamacare.
Health insurance is essential for young children, who require routine vaccinations and developmental checks. Dr. Laura Bennett, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, expressed her concerns regarding the long-term health implications for uninsured children. “The lack of access to critical services can have lasting effects on their health,” she stated.
While the loss of coverage among children is alarming, the broader healthcare crisis affects all Americans. Last year marked the first increase in the overall uninsured rate in a decade, climbing from 8 percent to 8.5 percent. With necessary health insurance reforms being reversed, fewer people have access to coverage. Who could have predicted this outcome?
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Summary
Since the Trump administration took office, 400,000 children have lost their health insurance, reversing significant gains made under previous policies. Factors contributing to this decline include political decisions, cuts to healthcare programs, and rising premiums, impacting families across various income levels. The implications of being uninsured at a young age can have long-lasting effects on children’s health.