ABSTRACT. Florida’s uninsured rate for children, while still higher than the national average, is at an all-time low of 6.2 percent. This progress is the result of many years of work enrolling children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. More recently the implementation of the Affordable Care Act solidified the gains. More than four in ten of Florida’s children receive their coverage through Medicaid and CHIP, and half of all births in Florida are covered by Medicaid. Recent federal policy actions will impact Florida’s uninsured rate going forward. Health coverage for children is important because it helps them access the services they need to stay healthy, be more successful in school, and have better economic outcomes for themselves and their families. Children’s coverage rates were examined using the American Community Survey, and the structure of Florida’s public coverage options is explored.

Keywords: Florida; children; Medicaid; ACA; CHIP; health insurance

How to cite: Alker, Joan, and Karina Wagnerman (2018). “Children’s Uninsured Rate in Florida Is Improving but Still Lags U.S.,” American Journal of Medical Research 5(1): 13–22.

Received 19 November 2017 • Received in revised form 16 February 2018
Accepted 16 February 2018 • Available online 28 February 2018

doi:10.22381/AJMR5120182