Children's Health

There are more than 8 million uninsured children in America – that's one in ten. Every 42 seconds, a child is born uninsured. More than 2,000 children are born uninsured every day. Health care costs for working families continue to rise, making it difficult to afford insurance or access timely care. The failing state of our nation's health care system affects every person in the United States, insured and uninsured alike. If we are to end the problem of children growing up without health coverage and ensure affordable coverage, real health reform is necessary.

Be a Champion for Children's Health Coverage!

Join children, their parents and other champions for children from across the country in sending a strong and clear message to Congress and the President that real health reform for children means accessible, affordable and comprehensive health coverage for all children—no matter where they live. Join a Champions for Children's Health Stroller Brigade!

New: Children's Health Coverage State Fact Sheets

What do children in your state have at stake in the current health reform debate? Our Children’s Health Coverage State Fact Sheets provide a snapshot of health coverage for our nation’s children on a state by state basis, including data on the uninsured, those enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, income eligibility and enrollment procedures.

Celebrate Child Health Day!

President Obama proclaimed October 5, 2009 as Child Health Day stating, “Our Nation has an obligation to provide access to affordable, high-quality health care for all our children,” and asking Americans to rededicate themselves to “providing a bright, healthy future for our Nation's youth.” Originally proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge in 1928, National Child Health Day is meant to spread awareness about ways to improve the health of our nation’s children. Read President Obama’s proclamation of National Child Health Day and celebrate by learning more about CDF’s Health Coverage for All Children Campaign.

Legislative Update: How Are Children Faring in Health Reform?

Congress is back on Capitol Hill and health reform is center stage.  But it continues to take shape in a way that could make millions of children worse – rather than better – off at the same time insurance companies and drug companies will profit.  Millions of children could face higher costs for fewer benefits. For children to be better off, changes are needed to make it simple for them to enroll in comprehensive and affordable health coverage. Read more about how children are faring in health reform in our legislative update and join CDF's Health Coverage for All Children Campaign.

National Civil Rights Groups Join Forces on Children's Health Coverage

Leading civil rights groups, including the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), have partnered to urge Congress to to realize America’s promise of covering all children, ensuring that the millions of uninsured and underinsured children are not forgotten during the health care reform debate. Learn more about this partnership.

New Data on Children's Health

In December 2008, CDF released its State of America's Children 2008^® report that includes a compilation of the most recent and reliable national and state-by-state data on various issues including "Child Health and Health Coverage." This section includes data on uninsured children, children enrolled in Medicaid and SCHIP, prenatal care, low birthweight babies, infant deaths, selected maternal and infant health indicators, infant health, and immunization rates.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Health Resources Available in Your State and Community

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama helps alleviate the stress on families and communities by investing in improvements for a range of needed services and supports, including health services. Learn what is available in your state and community and how to use these funds to invest in children's health by visiting the Health and Nutrition sections of our guide, The New Economic Recovery Law: Resources to Help Children and the Economy.

CDF President Speaks Out on Children's Health Care Online

View CDF President Marian Wright Edelman's responses to recent questions on National Journal's Health Care blog, an online discussion amongst policy experts about health care reform.

 

 

Speak Now for Kids! 

Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform is a national campaign sponsored by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals (N.A.C.H.). N.A.C.H. is joined by CDF and other national partners and supporting organizations from around the country who all care deeply about how children will be treated in health reform. Speak Now for Kids in Health Reform urges parents, family members, health care providers and other advocates to tell Congress why children matter in health reform – through stories, photos and videos.

Learn more about the campaign and take a moment to "Speak Now" to let Congress know in your own words what you think about children's health care.