Press Statement on
THE DECLINING NUMBER OF UNINSURED CHILDREN
by
Eileen M. Ouellette, MD, JD, AAP President

"The study released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), which found the percentage of children without health insurance decreased 20% since 1997, is in sync with a previous analysis by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This information continues to prove that the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), established in 1997, and Medicaid are critical safety net programs that the federal and state governments must fully fund and support. Together, the two programs provide health insurance coverage to more than 28 million children.

"Pediatricians see what happens when children don't receive necessary health care services such as immunizations and well-child visits. Their overall health suffers and expensive emergency room visits increase. Having access to consistent, quality health care matters.

"Of the approximately 9 million uninsured children in this country, about 6 million are eligible for either SCHIP or Medicaid, but are not enrolled. The Academy has joined RWJF in support of the "Covering Kids and Families: Back to School Campaign" to alert parents that their children could be eligible for low-cost or free health insurance coverage. Families can call free: 1-877-KIDS-NOW.

"Unfortunately, Congress made changes in Medicaid law that could negatively impact health care for millions of children and next year, they will reauthorize SCHIP. The AAP remains committed to legislative advocacy that not only secures coverage for all children, but also protects the access, benefits and services millions of children already have and need through SCHIP and Medicaid."

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.