According to an analysis from the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute’s Center for Children and Families and the American Academy of Pediatrics, a historic high of 98 percent of children in New York have health insurance. This is thanks in large part to New York’s progressive policies on Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP), and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Medicaid and CHP together cover more than 2.8 million children in New York State and account for 38 percent of the state’s total Medicaid and CHP enrollment. This includes 84 percent of children living in or near poverty, 47 percent of infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, 39 percent of children with special health care needs, 51 percent of newborns, and 100 percent of children in foster care. An additional 11,000 children in New York have coverage through the New York State of Health Marketplace. Because of New York’s leadership in health care and health coverage, all children are eligible for health insurance regardless of immigration status.

Children enrolled in Medicaid and CHP do better in school, are more likely to graduate from high school, are more likely to attend college, grow up to be healthier adults, and earn higher wages. Continued investment in Medicaid and CHP and outreach to the remaining uninsured is needed to ensure that all of New York’s children and families have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This is especially important in the face of the current federal threats to these crucial sources of coverage.

You can view the full New York State fact sheet here.