Some Problems In American Children's Health Insurance

Millions of children will return to school this fall without one of the most important things the school should provide them health insurance.

More than 8 million U.S. children without health insurance, which means that one in 10 children do not receive the care they need by not having to be insured. In fact, uninsured children are 10 times more chances of needing medical care than those with insurance. Even when uninsured children receive some medical care, often lack access to preventive care or critical studies, or can not see a doctor when sick.

To help these children can begin their school year the right way, the campaign "covers children and their families on their return to school," sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is ensuring that parents, grandparents and children's teachers know that there are uninsured medical care available at low cost or free. Many uninsured children are eligible through Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

These programs cover doctors visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations, and more. This means that parents can bring their children to have health coverage on their school rolls.

"As a doctor and mother, I have seen for myself that children with health insurance are better prepared to learn in school and better equipped to succeed in life," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, business manager, president and CEO Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "Uninsured children are less likely to receive necessary medical care for childhood illnesses such as sore throats, earaches and asthma, all diseases that can become serious if not treated properly. These children are the future of our country and we need to ensure they receive the necessary care. "

Although these programs exist in all states and the District of Columbia, many parents believe their children are eligible. As parents work, consider that earn too much for their children may qualify. Children whose families earn up to $ 40,000 a year are eligible for Medicaid and SCHIP. Eligibility depends on family size and income level.

"Medicaid and the State to ensure that children have provided millions of children health care free or low cost, but there are millions more who are eligible and do not know," said Sarah Shuptrine, national program director of Covering Kids & Families (Bringing coverage to children and families). "Many people still do not know anything about these programs, and many working families parents assume their children will not qualify. Anyone can help their children to be covered. Grandparents can play an important role and are encouraged to find out about these health coverage programs. "