By Daniel Smith, Keystone State News Connection
As Pennsylvania children head back to school, health advocates are emphasizing the importance of keeping kids insured.
The 2023 Pennsylvania Children's Health Status Report found that more than 145,000 children lack health insurance.
Becky Ludwick, vice president of public policy for the Pennsylvania Partnership for Children, said back-to-school season is an ideal time to raise awareness among Pennsylvania parents about free or low-cost public health insurance options. She added that while many children lost their insurance during the Medicaid cancellations, some have transitioned to the Children's Health Insurance Program.
“We've seen an increase in the number of children who don't have health insurance or have lost coverage over the past year,” Ludwick reports, “and as children prepare to return to school, we want to take this opportunity to remind parents what they can do to help get their children covered, so we're looking at Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.”
According to the Children's Health Insurance Program guidelines, a family of three with an annual income of $60,000 can enroll in the program for an average monthly premium of $58 per child, plus additional copayments if required. No family earns too much to apply.
Ludwick noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics has emphasized the importance of back-to-school health screenings, including routine vaccinations. She stressed that Medicaid and CHIP enrollment is available year-round and encouraged parents to contact these programs to ensure comprehensive coverage of their children's health needs.
“We encourage families to reach out as soon as possible and get their children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP,” Ludwick said, “and getting that insurance will ensure that their annual checkups and immunizations are covered. It also covers mental health services and dental care.”
Ludwick said the recent measles outbreak highlights declining vaccination rates, particularly for the MMR vaccine, putting communities at risk. Vaccine coverage rates among Pennsylvania's kindergarten students have been declining steadily, with the latest data showing it has fallen below 95% for the first time in six years.