“The Census data, compiled exclusively for the March of Dimes, reveals alarming news that the number of uninsured children under age 19 (which matches SCHIP eligibility) rose by over 700,000, leaving 12.1 percent (9 million) of the nation's 78 million children under age 19 uninsured in 2006.  

“Moreover, one in five women of childbearing age—12.6 million—was uninsured in 2006. These women accounted for 27% of all uninsured Americans.
 
“The disappointing news about uninsured children emphasizes how Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) remain critical to the health of children nationally.   As many as 1 in 3 children rely on these programs for coverage at some point during the year. The increasing number of uninsured children is central to the current debate in Congress to reauthorize SCHIP before the end of September.  

“The March of Dimes is committed to strengthening SCHIP to improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children. Throughout the reauthorization debate this year, the March of Dimes has advocated for allowing states to cover pregnant women under the program without a federal waiver, as well as adding pediatric quality measures and giving states greater flexibility to use SCHIP to supplement private insurance for children with special needs.”

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defect, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy and in 2003 launched a multi-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.