New Evidence to Action Brief on Universal Health Care Coverage for Kids

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the troubling trend in rising uninsurance and underinsurance among our nation’s youth has never been more urgent. Nearly half a million children in the U.S. have lost health insurance coverage since 2017, and challenges of affordability and adequacy will only become more stark in the midst of a severe economic downturn, particularly for low- and middle-income families. In response to these alarming trends, PolicyLab released a new Evidence to Action brief today that offers policy options for how to address these issues and create a path forward to ensure children have the coverage they need.

Written before the current pandemic, our experts built upon some of their own research findings to evaluate the fragmenting system for children’s health insurance and obstacles families face in accessing adequate and affordable coverage. Through this effort, we composed a wide-range of policy options for state and federal decision-makers to consider, which span from implementing universal coverage proposals to modifying existing programs. The brief stresses, though, that ambitious policy action may be needed to truly address this growing issue in our country and meet the health care needs of children and their families.

Be sure to read the full Evidence to Action brief that outlines specific pathways to achieving affordable, comprehensive health coverage for all children—a goal we hope is not too far from reach.

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