But a program begun in 1997 can help. It's the largest expansion of children's health insurance in 30 years. The vast majority of uninsured children are from families where one or both parents work. Some have used the funds to expand their Medicaid programs. Others have created separate children's health insurance programs.
Several states have a combination of approaches.
In some states, parents are asked to share a small portion of the cost. It is important to find new and creative ways to reach out to parents of eligible children so they can be enrolled in the program. Everyone benefits when children are insured, as going without preventive care or delaying treatment can lead to costlier problems down the road.