In a troubling trend, the health insurance coverage for children has dramatically declined over the past two years. Following an all-time low of uninsured kids in the United States in 2016, recent data indicates that around 400,000 children have lost their health insurance since President Trump took office.
According to a study conducted by the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, along with data from the Census Bureau, approximately 4.1 million children in America were without insurance in 2018. This marks a notable increase from the 3.6 million uninsured children recorded in 2016 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented during Barack Obama’s presidency. The uninsured rate climbed from 4.7 percent in 2016 to 5.2 percent by 2018.
Joan West, the executive director of the Georgetown Center, expressed concern regarding these findings, particularly since the country is currently experiencing economic growth with rising employment rates. She fears that if the economy slows down, this could further negatively impact children’s health insurance coverage. A significant part of this reversal in coverage can be attributed to the stark differences in health care policies between the Trump and Obama administrations. “Many of the advancements in children’s health coverage achieved through the Affordable Care Act are now being undone,” West stated.
The study’s authors noted several political factors contributing to this increase in uninsured children. The Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the ACA, alongside cuts to Medicaid, have played a significant role. Furthermore, delays in funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and reductions in outreach programs designed to enroll individuals under the ACA have exacerbated the situation. Additionally, harsh immigration policies have discouraged many Latinx families from seeking health coverage for their children.
The decline in insurance coverage has particularly affected white and Latinx children, with younger children under the age of six facing the most significant losses. Families earning between $29,000 and $50,000 have been hit hardest, but even higher-income families have seen declines, likely due to soaring premium costs amid ongoing uncertainty about the future of the ACA.
Access to health insurance is vital for young children, who require essential services like vaccinations and health check-ups. Dr. Laura Green, a representative for the National Association of Pediatricians, expressed her worries about the long-term health consequences for uninsured children. “Without coverage, kids are missing out on critical services that could have lasting effects on their health,” Green commented.
While the loss of coverage among children is alarming, the health care crisis is a broader issue affecting all Americans. The overall uninsured rate for the population increased for the first time in a decade, rising from 8 percent to 8.5 percent last year. The rollback of necessary health insurance reforms has led to fewer individuals having insurance, a situation that many could have predicted.
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In summary, the decline in health insurance coverage for children during the Trump administration marks a worrying trend that could have lasting implications for their health and well-being. The study emphasizes the need for renewed efforts to improve access to health care for all children in America.