A new healthcare report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families found the number of uninsured children in the Commonwealth declined by about 14 percent between 2010 and 2012. The report attributes the good news to the success of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (known as FAMIS in Virginia).
The report is available for review at http://ccf.georgetown.edu/
“Medicaid and CHIP are examples of federal-state partnership programs that work,” said Joan Alker of Georgetown University’s CCF. “Together they have successfully driven down the uninsured rate for children and are a testament to what states can accomplish when they lean in and work with the federal government to meet the needs of their families. ”
The public is largely unaware of the progress that is being made for children’s health coverage, according to a national survey released along with the report. The survey also found that nearly nine in ten respondents want all children in their state to have health care coverage.
The uninsured rate for Virginia children is around 5.6 percent. With an estimated 104,000 Virginia children still going without health insurance, there is room for improvement.
“When children’s health needs are met, they are able to show up to school ready to learn,” said Alker. “Investing in Virginia’s children today creates a stronger workforce for tomorrow.”
The Georgetown University report found that in 2012, 94.4 percent of Virginia’s children had coverage as compared to the 99% coverage rate for seniors. Children and seniors fare much better than adults ages 18 to 64, who have a coverage rate of 82.6 percent in Virginia.
“Unfortunately, many children live in homes with parents who can’t afford coverage for themselves,” said Jill Hanken of the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “Putting out the welcome mat for parents by expanding Medicaid coverage would help Virginia’s children and families. When parents don’t have to worry about unpaid medical bills, the whole family is more financially secure and children’s health needs are more likely to be met. “
Even though Virginia has not yet accepted funding to expand Medicaid, many uninsured children may already be eligible for affordable coverage. For more info about coverage or an application, call 1-855-242-8282 or visit www.coverva.org.
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