The number of uninsured children in Pennsylvania remains stable following last year’s unwinding of the Medicaid continuous coverage provision, but no progress has been made, according to the 2024 State of Children’s Health report by Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. The report provides the first look at the impact of resuming Medicaid renewals following a three-year federal hiatus during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Between 2022 and 2023, the rate of Pennsylvania children without health insurance remained steady at 5.2%. However, steady rates do not mean progress. Too many children live in Pennsylvania without access to health insurance. The number of Pennsylvania children under age 19 without health insurance increased slightly from 145,000 to 147,000 from one year ago.

According to the report, factors such as age, race and ethnicity, and poverty level impact children’s access to health insurance. Demographic highlights include:

• Children under 6 are more likely to be uninsured (5.6%) than school age children (5.1%).
• Uninsured rates improved for American Indian and Alaska Native children and White children. Uninsured rates worsened for Asian children, Black children, Hispanic children, and children of multiple races.
• Children in lower-income families are more likely to be uninsured, and approximately 6.8% of PA children are financially eligible for Medicaid but not enrolled.

As the ELCA’s Social Statement Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor (2003) states, “Because health is central to personal well-being and functioning in society, a just society is one that supports the health of all its members. Thus, our common effort to provide access to health care for all is a matter of social justice for all people.” LAMPa is particularly concerned for making sure children, among the most vulnerable in society, are able to access robust and reliable healthcare. Advocates will work with these and other partners to find the most just and loving solution to care for all.

Read the report for more details. Additional information on statistics for each county can be found here.