When these kids have an earache in the middle of the night, their parents don't have any option other than to take them to the hospital emergency room. Studies have shown that young children who do not have health insurance are less likely to receive preventive care such as immunizations and well-child doctor visits that help identify health problems. As children grow into adolescence, having no health insurance means they are less likely to receive health education and preventive services that address high-risk behaviors often associated with this age group. California policy makers need to knit together the gaps in the system and build on existing programs to give working families the basic peace of mind that comes with health insurance for their children. The facts point the way to a realistic solution for California's uninsured children.
Latino children are twice as likely to lack health insurance than other ethnic groups.
No barrier should stand between California's children and access to adequate health care. Children are affordable to insure and federal dollars are available to match the dollars California is willing to invest in children's health. Recognizing the problems of uninsured children and that an affordable solution exists, Children Now today announced their sponsorship of two pieces of legislation to reduce the number of uninsured children in California. Expand Eligibility for Medi-Cal. Streamline the Medi-Cal Application Process.