Characteristics of Children Eligible for Public Health Insurance but Uninsured: Data from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health

To describe the state variation, demographic and family characteristics of children eligible for public health insurance but uninsured. Using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health we selected a subset of children living in households with incomes <200 % of the federal poverty level, who are generally eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. We used multiple logistic regression to examine associations between insurance status among this group of eligible children and certain demographic factors, family characteristics, and state of residence. In adjusted models children aged 6–11 and 12–17 years were more likely to be eligible but uninsured compared to those aged 0–5 years (AOR 1.57; 95 % CI 1.15–2.16 and AOR 1.93; 95 % CI 1.41–2.64). Children who received school lunch (AOR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.52–0.86) and SNAP (AOR 0.33; 95 % CI 0.24–0.46) were less likely to be eligible but uninsured compared to those children not receiving those needs based services; however, a majority (58.7 %) of eligible uninsured children were enrolled in the school lunch program. Five states (Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, New York) accounted for 46 % of the eligible uninsured children. Vermont had the lowest adjusted estimate of eligible uninsured children (3.6 %) and Nevada had the highest adjusted estimate (35.5 %). Using nationally representative data we have identified specific state differences, demographic and household characteristics that could help guide federal and local initiatives to improve public health insurance enrollment for children who are eligible but uninsured.