Undocumented Children Are Safeguarded by Healthcare Program, Research Reveals

The study, published in Health Affairs, shows a significant reduction in the rate of uninsured non-citizen children in California after the implementation of the Health for All Kids program.

Led by Brandy Lipton, an assistant professor and health economist at San Diego State University's School of Public Health, the study found that after the expansion of Health for All Kids, the uninsured rate among non-citizen children in California dropped to 10%. This is a 34% decrease from the pre-expansion rate of 26%.

The Health for All Kids program, introduced in 2016, allows children under 19 in families at qualifying income levels to enroll in Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid and CHIP) regardless of immigration status. As many as 130,000 undocumented children enrolled for health coverage in California after the expansion.

The study focused on coverage rates for non-citizen children, as determining their immigration status is difficult. The researchers validated the effects of Health for All Kids through comparisons with changes seen among low-income citizen children over the same period and in states without similar programs.

The study also accounted for previously adopted children's health initiatives that provide coverage to undocumented children at a local level. However, most states in the US do not provide public coverage options for undocumented kids.

Melody K. Schiaffino, another co-author of the study, believes this research will be important in demonstrating the potential for state and local programs to improve coverage for vulnerable sectors of the population, promoting health equity.

Jefferson Nguyen, another co-author, hopes the findings will lead to discussions in other states about health care expansion and the peace of mind it would bring to low-income, undocumented families.

The Affordable Care Act does not provide health insurance coverage for undocumented kids or adults. The California program, known as California's Unaccompanied Minors Program, has had positive effects by improving health insurance coverage for these children, increasing their access to healthcare services.

Nationally, about three out of ten children receive coverage through public programs like Medicaid and CHIP. The study examined differences across areas with different rates of health coverage available through a children's program in Kaiser Permanente service areas.

The study's lead author, Brandy Lipton, noted the benefits of expanding Medicaid to low-income children, including long-term effects on adult socioeconomic status, educational attainment, and adult health. Co-author Melody K. Schiaffino believes this research will be crucial in advocating for similar programs aimed at improving coverage for vulnerable populations.