A recent study conducted by Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy reveals a concerning reality for Houston’s youth. Despite improvements in the uninsured rate for children during the COVID-19 pandemic, a staggering 11.6% of children in Houston are living without insurance, more than double the national average. This poses a significant challenge to the well-being of Black families in the area.
While the uninsured rate for children across the United States has seen a dip, Texas stands out with the highest uninsured rate, sitting at 10.9% compared to the national average of 5.1%. The Lone Star State, known for its opposition to a statewide expansion of Medicaid programs, accounts for a substantial 22% of all uninsured children in the nation.
Texas lawmakers’ resistance to Medicaid expansion becomes even more critical when considering the 854,000 uninsured children within the state. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Study, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare access for the Black community in Houston.
Despite federal measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the continuous enrollment program in Medicaid insurance, the study warns that gains in reducing the number of uninsured children are unlikely to be sustained. As Texas aims to return to normal eligibility operations, the state’s marginalized families face increased challenges in securing essential healthcare for their children.
The disparities are further pronounced when examining specific metro areas in Texas. North of Dallas, the Sherman-Denison Metro boasts the highest uninsured rate for children in the state at 13.9%. The federal health data released earlier this month indicates that over one in nine Texas residents are covered by government-subsidized health plans under the Affordable Care Act in 2024, representing a 37% increase from the previous year.