All children and families need access to affordable, quality, health care. 

Health insurance provides a critical foundation for kids, so they can stay healthy, manage health conditions or problems, perform better in school, be active and thrive. 

Together we can reach 100% coverage for Utah children so ALL kiddos can reach their full potential.

Access to healthcare coverage creates a foundation for children to grow and thrive. Research has shown that when children have access to health coverage, they are more likely to succeed in school and have better health and economic outcomes as adults. 

Unfortunately, Utah has one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the nation, 79,000 children (7%). 

COVER ALL KIDS

We can save more than 9 million dollars by covering all of Utah's uninsured children. No child should be denied care, but thousands of children are unable to get health coverage or forced to delay or forgo treatment because they lack coverage. We want to make sure all children can have the coverage and care they need this year. 

ALL YEAR ROUND COVERAGE

Utah's Medicaid program will have "12 Month continuous eligibility" beginning January 2024. Continuous coverage means children will not churn on and off of coverage and risk being uninsured during an emergency. Currently, thousands of Utah children may lose their health insurance at some point in the year due to red-tape, administrative error, or changing family circumstances. Thanks to changes in the federal government, Utah healthcare programs will have policies in place that allow kids to receive continuous coverage the entire year. 

CONNECT KIDS TO COVERAGE

Utah has one of the highest rate of children currently eligible for health insurance, but unenrolled, especially in rural parts of our state. Outreach and enrollment assistance programs help families understand what healthcare options are best for them, recognizing that plans and prices change each year as do family circumstances. Utah should support outreach and enrollment assistance efforts so that families, across the state, can get coverage that’s right for them and more easily connect with care. 

PROTECT PARENT COVERAGE 

When parents are uninsured, research shows their children are less likely to be insured too. Funding cuts and harmful limits to coverage only make it more difficult for Utah kids and families to get the health care they need. Right now, thousands of parents are still shut out of coverage—unable to afford health coverage or not offered it by their jobs but not currently eligible for Medicaid. Implementing full, clean Medicaid expansion will help parents and kids across the state thrive. 

Individual supporters:

• Jamilla Al-ani 

• Gabriella Barbosa, Managing Director of Policy

• Dr. Teri Henke

• Angie Settle

• Rebecca Schneider, Dentist

• Edna R. Valencia C.