Number of Uninsured Children in Pennsylvania Skyrockets, Hitting Alarming Decade-High

A troubling new report confirms what many local families already feel.

The number of uninsured children in Pennsylvania has surged to its highest point in a decade.

More than 153,000 children across the commonwealth are now without health coverage.

This represents a concerning 5% of all children in the state, a sharp increase that has advocates worried.

Here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the impact is hitting some communities harder than others.

Counties like Greene and Indiana are seeing uninsured rates climb above the state average, a distressing local trend.

Even in Allegheny County, where rates remain lower, public health officials are sounding the alarm.

They warn that a lack of insurance leads to delayed care, which puts a greater strain on the entire public health system.

Families are being squeezed by a perfect storm of rising costs, shifting government policies, and the expiration of critical federal supports.

The situation could get worse before it gets better.

Upcoming changes to Medicaid and the potential loss of insurance premium tax credits threaten to push even more Pennsylvanians off their health plans.

Child welfare experts are deeply concerned, noting that when parents lose coverage, their children often do too.

This crisis isn't just about numbers; it's about the long-term health and stability of our communities.