Fewer uninsured kids even as adult numbers rise

A new study by Georgetown University credits the health law as having a 'key role' in the increase in children's health insurance coverage.

The Associated Press: Study: Fewer Children In US Lack Health Insurance
Even with more children living in poverty because of the rough economy, the number of children without health insurance in the U.S. has dropped by 1 million in the past three years, according to a report released Tuesday by Georgetown University. Many states have expanded eligibility for, and simplified access to, the children's Medicaid program. This has helped shrink the number of uninsured children from 6.9 million in 2008 to 5.9 million in 2010. Experts say the Affordable Care Act, the federal health care overhaul that requires states to maintain income eligibility levels and discourages other barriers to coverage, has played a key role in the improvement (Kennedy, 11/29).

Kaiser Health News: Capsules: Study: Florida Leads Nation In Getting More Kids Insured
Florida leads the nation in reducing the number and rate of uninsured children, according to a study released Tuesday. From 2008 to 2010, the number of uninsured children in Florida fell by more than 160,000 to 506,934, says the report ... The state's rate of uninsured kids dropped from 16.7 percent to 12.7 percent (Galewitz, 11/29).

Minneapolis Star Tribune: Number Of Uninsured Minnesota Kids Climbs
The number of children without health insurance rose sharply in the past two years in Minnesota, making it the only state to see a significant increase since 2008, according to a report released Tuesday. Uninsured Minnesota kids totaled 84,000, although that number could fall again as a result of changes enacted by the Legislature in 2009 (Olson, 11/29).

(St. Paul) Pioneer Press: Minnesota Sees Decline In Number Of Children With Health Insurance
In 2010, Minnesota still had a lower uninsured rate among children than the national average of 8 percent. But where the nation's rate improved between 2008 and 2010, Minnesota saw its uninsured rate in kids get worse - growing from 5.8 percent to 6.6 percent, according to the study (Snowbeck, 11/29).

Houston Chronicle: Safety-Net Programs Insure More Texas Children
Houston-area children's health insurance is increasingly being provided by government safety-net programs as employers cut jobs and benefits, according to a new study. The survey, sponsored by Texas Children's Hospital, found that in the last three years, area children's enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program doubled as coverage through work-based plans decreased significantly. This shift comes in a state known for not embracing government health programs (Ackerman, 11/29).