In general, national data indicate that millions of children under the age of 18 currently lack healthcare coverage. However, individual estimates of the exact number of children who are uninsured vary from one data source to another. For example, the 1996 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS [http://www.meps.ahrq.gov])  indicate that 11.3 million children are uninsured, whereas the 1996 data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) indicated 10 million uninsured children. See the discussion of the methodological issues which contribute to variation estimates for more information.

A ULP SCHIP Workshop was held in Sanibel Island, Florida, in June 1998. Robin Weinick, a sociologist in AHCPR’s Center for Cost and Financing Studies, provided a profile of the number and characteristics of uninsured children nationwide and the implications of their insurance status. Her key points are summarized below.

Why Are We Concerned About Uninsured Children?

Health services research indicates that health insurance status is an important issue, particularly among children, because it has a considerable impact on their:

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