Child health Coverage
Community and Family (Cross Age)
Note
*: Statistically unstable
HHSA Regions: Health and Human Services Agency regions
Data not available:
Gender, uninsured female in San Diego County; Race-Ethnicity, uninsured for Asian, White, and Muti-Race; other public and uninsured for Black; Medicaid, other public, and uninsured for NHPI; HHSA regions, other public and uninsured for Central, North Coastal
Race-Ethnicity categories:
Latino, While, Black or African American, Aian, NHPI: Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Multi-Race: Two or More Races
Source:
California Health Interview Survey (Download date: 1/29/2024)
Indicator criteria: Percentages of children 0-17 by type of health coverage (Employment-Based, Privately Purchased, Other Public, Uninsured, Medicaid)
What is the indicator?
This indicator – Statistically stable data are not available to monitor the trend on the percentage of children ages 0-17 without health coverage in San Diego County. Instead, the graph shows children’s health coverage by type. These data are routinely reported through the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).
Why is this important?
Lack of health coverage is the single greatest barrier to receiving medical care is lack of health coverage. Uninsured children are less likely than their insured counterparts to receive preventive and needed services. For children with chronic health conditions and special needs, lack of coverage can result in more hospitalizations for untreated asthma, vision or hearing problems. Research shows that children with publicly subsidized health coverage (e.g., Medi-Cal) use services in approximately the same amounts and patterns as those who have private insurance.
What strategies can make a difference?
These evidence-based strategies are used across the country to address health coverage:
- Offer support for the distribution and completion of applications in educational institutions, homeless shelters, community organizations, healthcare facilities, and places of worship.
- Ensure families are well-informed about the various healthcare coverage options available to them, including affordable plans that offer comprehensive coverage for both children and adults.
- Implement incentives for schools, employers, and community organizations that identify eligible families and aid them in the enrollment process.
- Collaborate with community organizations such as 211, Access California, Health Center Partners of Southern California, and Family Health Centers to utilize health navigators, such as those in Covered California’s Navigator Program, to provide families with outreach, education, enrollment, and renewal assistance services.
- Launch campaigns aimed at raising awareness of available healthcare coverage options, utilizing social media tools, culturally tailored marketing strategies, billboards, and posters.