A recent report from Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families has revealed a concerning trend: the number of uninsured young children in the United States has risen significantly between 2022 and 2024. Texas, in particular, stands out with the highest rate of uninsured children under the age of six, more than double the national average.
Texas’ Uninsured Rate
In Texas, the uninsured rate for young children reached 10.8% in 2024, meaning over one in ten young children in the state did not have health care coverage. This is a stark contrast to the national average of 5.3%, which itself is the highest in nearly a decade. The report indicates that Texas alone accounts for more than one-fifth of the nation’s uninsured young children.
Between 2022 and 2024, the number of uninsured young children in Texas increased from approximately 180,000 to about 253,000. This rise of over 73,000 children highlights the growing challenge of ensuring health coverage for the state’s youngest residents.
Factors Contributing to the Increase
The report attributes the increase in uninsured rates partly to the nationwide Medicaid unwinding. This process, which began after the removal of COVID-era enrollment protocols in 2023, has led to millions being disenrolled from Medicaid. According to Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, many children who lose Medicaid coverage remain eligible but face barriers such as paperwork and fear.
Alker emphasized the critical nature of early childhood development and the potential consequences of being uninsured during these formative years. She described the situation as “a disaster, for children, in the making.”
Call to Action for State Leaders
Elisabeth Wright Burak, a senior fellow at Georgetown, expressed concern that the uninsured rate for young children may have continued to rise in 2025 and 2026. She urged state leaders to take this report as a wake-up call, warning that the situation could worsen if not addressed promptly.
Texas has historically led the nation in the percentage of uninsured residents across all age groups. In 2023, more than 21% of Texans were without health care coverage, according to a report from The Commonwealth Fund. The high rate of uninsured young children is a reflection of this broader trend.
As the state grapples with these challenges, it remains crucial for policymakers to address the barriers preventing eligible children from accessing Medicaid and other health coverage options. Ensuring that young children have access to necessary health care is vital for their development and well-being.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
