Medicaid and CHIP Cover Millions of Children and Have Fueled a Significant Overall Coverage Gain for Children

Medicaid is a major source of health coverage for the nation's children, providing coverage for more than 1 in 3 children. Between 1997 and 2012, Medicaid - together with its sister program, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - was the driving force behind a dramatic reduction in the rate of uninsured children. During that period, the rate of uninsured children was cut in half, from 14 percent to 7 percent. Coverage rates for children declined even during periods when uninsured rates for adults (who have more limited access to Medicaid) increased.