Summary
A recent study found that over 60% of American children use Medicaid or CHIP at some point in their childhood. Changes in Medicaid and CHIP funding could leave many children without health insurance. The study, along with various experts, warns that these changes could negatively affect children's health coverage in the United States.
Key Facts
- President Trump's tax package included significant cuts to Medicaid and CHIP funding.
- The Congressional Budget Office projected that these cuts could lead to 7.5 million more uninsured Americans by 2034.
- Over 60% of American children rely on Medicaid or CHIP before age 18.
- 40% of children are enrolled in Medicaid at birth.
- 42% of children experience periods without insurance during childhood.
- In states expanding Medicaid, 36% of children had insurance gaps, compared to 59% in non-expanding states.
- Reasons for losing coverage include changes in family employment and benefits.
- Cuts to Medicaid are expected to heavily impact both children's and adults' health coverage in the U.S.
