Federal Policy
Uninsured Rate for Infants and Toddlers Exceeds 5 Percent Nationally
The national uninsured rate for infants and toddlers has risen above 5 percent, exposing families to greater financial risk and reducing access to preventive care and developmental screenings. Children without coverage are less likely to receive regular well-child visits, immunizations, and early intervention services that support healthy development. The increase affects Medicaid and CHIP enrollment dynamics, as these programs cover the majority of young children nationally.
Why it mattersRising uninsurance among the youngest children signals gaps in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment or retention that state agencies and managed care plans must address through outreach, eligibility simplification, and continuous coverage policies to maintain EPSDT compliance and preventive care access.