“Boise, ID: A new report released by Idaho Kids Covered shows 2020 health coverage trends for children and explains how policies put in place during the national public health emergency declaration kept the uninsured rate for Idaho kids from drastically increasing during COVID-19. The report also shows that children living in poverty nationally experienced an increase from 7.8 to 9.3 percent in the child uninsured rate while higher income families saw a decrease from 2.6 to 2.2 percent.

‘The healthy development of children relies on the ability to access healthcare services on time. When children have a delay in well child visits, developmental screenings, and other services because of gaps in coverage, we are missing critical opportunities to intervene and ensure they are accessing what they need to be on track” says Dr. Sara Swoboda, a pediatrician in the Treasure Valley. “I know we all share the goal of ensuring that Idaho’s kids have access to health coverage and care, so they have the best chance to be healthy, do well in school, and succeed in life.'”

Read the full press release below