All Children Need Health Coverage

Since 1998, Children's Defense Fund-California has worked with our colleagues in the 100% Campaign to ensure that all of California's children gain access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage. Our efforts to expand coverage for children, simplify enrollment processes, and support outreach efforts have paid off in a significant decline in the number of uninsured children in the state.

A recent Urban Institute report showed that close to 700,000 California children are currently eligible for affordable health programs, but not enrolled. With California home to 15% of the nation’s uninsured-but-eligible children, our state must step up to the plate and take immediate action to significantly reduce the number of uninsured children in California.

One opportunity to reverse this trend is the passage and implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act. The 100% Campaign is working with organizations and policymakers throughout the State and in the Obama Administration to make sure that California’s implementation of the law has the best outcome for children.

The ACA is already improving health coverage and access for millions of California’s children and young adults, and will strengthen health care even more in the future. As a result of the ACA, California children have better access to quality, affordable coverage that can’t be taken away when they need it most. Visit the 100% Campaign website for additional details.

Meanwhile, many children are already eligible for no or low cost coverage through Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, and county coverage programs.

Families interested in learning more about Medi-Cal or Healthy Families should call 1-877-KIDS-NOW or 888-747-1222.