November 15, 2010
This report found significant evidence for a link between poverty and poor child health, as well as research suggesting that even temporary spells of poverty may have lifelong health implications for children. Their findings highlight the urgency around the rising number of children now living in poverty. Although record-high enrollment in public health insurance programs has helped to buffer the negative impact of lost employer-based insurance for families, barriers to obtaining or maintaining public insurance remain as states struggle with budget deficits. Also, access to health insurance does not ensure receipt of health care, and we have yet to see whether increases in enrollment have expanded health care visits or improved health outcomes for children.
CHIP and Medicaid have been critical safety nets for children and have helped buffer the negative impacts of the recent recession. The overwhelming success of Medicaid and CHIP highlight the impact that targeted federal investments in the health care safety net make in the lives of children. As we navigate the current economic downturn, it is critical that we preserve Medicaid and CHIP in order to care for our most vulnerable children. Click here to read First Focus’ companion policy brief on child health, which considers the role of public programs in the process of economic recovery and provides recommendations for improving the provision of services to vulnerable children and families as we bounce back from the most recent recession.
Related Resources:
Read First Focus’s companion policy brief on Child Health which consider the role of public programs in the process of economic recovery and provides recommendations for improving the provision of services to vulnerable children and families as we bounce back from the most recent recession.
