Kentucky’s Young Children without Health Insurance Increased to 50.7%
We all need regular check-ups but children often need more attention. There are baby appointments, routine immunizations, screenings, vaccinations, and more.
The number of children without insurance in Kentucky has increased to over 1 million for the first time since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2014, according to the research data from Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families. Health care is an important facet in a child’s development. In fact, children are recommended to have at least 15 check-ups by the time they turn 6 years old.
The Increasing rate of children without health insurance
Many health experts are alarmed by the rising number of uninsured children under the age of six. When children visit hospitals and clinics, they undergo various tests including speech, hearing, and vision tests. Other examinations are on genetic disorders, effects on trauma, and toxic exposures.
Insurance for children shouldn’t just be an option, it should be a priority. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommends for children under 6 years of age to get several vaccinations for hepatitis A & B, whooping cough, polio, chickenpox, rubella, measles, and mumps. Not getting even one of those shots could lead to health problems in their adulthood.
Kentucky is facing an increase of 50.7%, this means 12, 973 of young children don’t have access to medical attention. There are 10 other states that are having the same health dilemma along with Kentucky.
Impact on young children
Going without health insurance has bad implications for children and their families. Without health coverage, children wouldn’t be able to get the necessary tests and vaccines they need. Children with health problems may be undiagnosed and this will affect them when they go to school, graduate, and get a job. Having health insurance is linked to better health, education, and economic outcomes for children. The same increasing rate is also seen in older children. The number of kids without health insurance including these older children and younger children hiked up to 40,000.
Georgetown University pointed out that government actions and several policies are making it harder for families to get health coverage or renew their coverage for their children via Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Kentucky Governor, Gov. Andy Beshear intends to address the issue by proposing a biennial budget that would include Kentucky’s CHIP and Medicaid Expansion. This enables the 40,000 uninsured kids to be eligible for either Medicaid, Marketplace plan, and Kentucky’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Good coverage ensures a better future for young children. Parents have the responsibility to ensure their children’s future. Here at London Insurance Agency, we have agents that are ready for any of your queries.
Our professional agents will guide you on making the right decision to make sure that your children are safe and with health coverage. We will provide you with insurance options at the lowest price possible and with the highest level of customer service.
Let us know your insurance needs now. Call us or visit our site for more information.
