Phoenix-More Arizona kids have
health care coverage, according to a study from the Georgetown
University Center for Children and Families. The report shows that the
number of kids without health insurance dropped 30 percent between 2013 and
2015.
Enrollment for KidsCare,
our state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, was frozen in 2010. When the
Legislature was debating restoring KidsCare earlier this year, Arizona ranked third
in the United States for the number of children without health insurance.
Democrats and community partners recognized the importance of this program, and
together we led the years-long charge to restore it. 
That work paid off. Earlier
this year, KidsCare was restored. This move is anticipated to get free health
insurance for 30,000 kids and is expected to add
around $75 million to Arizona’s economy next year alone. There are other
benefits to this program. The nonpartisan Grand Canyon Institute found that
KidsCare has long-term benefits as well, including increasing
high school and college graduation rates.
We still have some ground
to cover. Arizona's overall rate for uninsured children is reportedly 8.3
percent, while the national average is 4.8 percent. Advocates all over the state
are working to change that by spreading the word that KidsCare is back. Families
who meet the necessary
qualifications can apply for KidsCare
online or print an application here, or call 1-800-377-3536 for free
assistance. Source: Arizona House Democrats
