Large numbers of children — including nearly 191,000 in Texas — are dropping off the Medicaid rolls, even though Congress’ Medicaid overhaul didn’t change kids’ eligibility.
Why it matters: Children without insurance are less likely to receive checkups, preventive care and early treatment, while hospitals face additional strain from caring for more uninsured patients.
State of play: About 2 million fewer kids were enrolled in Medicaid this March than at the start of the second Trump administration, according to the most recent federal data.
-More recent state data analyzed by Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families suggests the decline has continued, executive director Joan Alker says.
-Experts say confusion over new Medicaid work requirements, immigration enforcement and paperwork requirements may be discouraging some families from enrolling eligible children.
-“It’s a very unwelcoming climate,” Alker says.
Source: Why fewer Texas kids are enrolled in Medicaid / AXIOS San Antonio