High Uninsured Numbers Underscore Need for SCHIP Reauthorization

September 9, 2008, Washington, D.C. - Dr. Marina L. Weiss, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for the March of Dimes, made the following statement about the recent release of U.S. Census Bureau data on health insurance coverage of women of childbearing age and children:

“The Census data, compiled exclusively for the March of Dimes, reveals that one in five women of childbearing age—12.2 million—was uninsured in 2007. These women account for over one quarter of all uninsured Americans. Uninsured women receive fewer prenatal services and report greater difficulty in obtaining needed preventive care than women with insurance.

“Additionally, the data indicate that the number of uninsured children under age 19 decreased slightly with erosion in private coverage offset by increased enrollment in Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Nonetheless, over 12 million women of child bearing age and nearly 9 children remain uninsured, and thus face barriers to medical services, often when they need it most.

“The March of Dimes is committed to working with the new Administration and Congress to improve access to private coverage, Medicaid and SCHIP so that every pregnant women, infant and child can obtain comprehensive, quality health services, including preventive as well as specialty care.”

For additional information, please see the report summary.