Pennsylvania ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children.
The latest Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation lists Pennsylvania as 21st overall, and 24th for the number of uninsured children. The report showed the pandemic has brought no shortage of challenges.
Carolyn Myers, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said thanks to a federal disenrollment freeze, kids have had uninterrupted health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which has helped them weather the storm. She pointed out 45% of children in the Keystone State get affordable coverage through the programs.
“Why this is significant with this year’s Data Book release, which has a very heavy focus on youth mental health, is that Medicaid and CHIP coverage ensures that children get regular checkups that include mental health and social, emotional, developmental screenings,” Myers outlined.