Rising Rates of Uninsured Children Will Increase Pediatric Cancer Deaths
14 hours ago
- #pediatrics
- #healthcare
- #insurance
- Over 4 million U.S. children under 19 lacked health insurance in 2024, with a 6.1% uninsured rate—the highest in a decade.
- Uninsured children face gaps in medical care, delaying treatments for serious illnesses like pediatric cancers, worsening prognoses.
- The fragmented U.S. health care system contributes to insurance instability, especially for families with fluctuating incomes or job statuses.
- Many uninsured children qualify for Medicaid or CHIP but remain unenrolled due to lack of awareness or fear of deportation among immigrant families.
- Bureaucratic errors during 'Medicaid unwinding' have led to eligible children losing coverage, exacerbating the uninsured crisis.
- Uninsured children with cancer face higher mortality rates, later-stage diagnoses, and reduced access to treatment compared to insured peers.
- Continuous insurance coverage is critical for cancer survival, with gaps in Medicaid increasing risks of late-stage diagnosis and death.
- Policy changes, improved Medicaid enrollment processes, and better support systems are needed to ensure children retain health coverage.