En español

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a health coverage program that is critical to many children of low- and moderate-income families throughout the United States. Millions of children, including many Latinos, are able to access health care when they need it thanks to the combined forces of SCHIP and Medicaid – our country’s major public health insurance programs that serve financially strapped families and those with great medical need. However, significant gaps in health coverage persist for Latino families. In fact, Latino children represent 38% of all the uninsured children in the U.S., a disturbing trend that will increase health disparities if it is not addressed.

SCHIP must be renewed by policymakers this year, and Latinos have much at stake in the debate. There is great promise for Latino children to experience healthy development and improved health status by ensuring their access to affordable health coverage through SCHIP.