New U.S. census data paints a troubling picture of children's health coverage: 5.8% of kids under 19 — roughly 4.4 million — were uninsured in 2025, with wide disparities depending on where they live and their ethnicity. The South had the highest uninsured rate at 8%, while the West saw a 1.1 percentage point jump to 5.5%. Kids in the Northeast fared best, with just 2.6% uninsured.

Hispanic children faced a significantly higher uninsured rate (9.4%) than the national average, with even steeper gaps for foreign-born and non-citizen children. Policy experts point to aggressive post-pandemic Medicaid eligibility redeterminations and fewer states opting into ACA Medicaid expansion as key drivers.

The outlook is concerning: Medicaid work rules, increased eligibility checks, and federal spending cuts are expected to push more families — and their kids — off coverage rolls in the coming years.

By the Numbers:

• 4.4 million children under 19 were uninsured in 2025
• 8% uninsured rate in the South; 5.5% in the West (up 1.1% year-over-year)
• 9.4% uninsured rate among Hispanic children
• 6% decline in children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP from May 2025 to May 2026
• 3 million fewer insured children projected by 2034 due to the 2025 reconciliation law

Why it matters: Uninsured children are more likely to miss critical screenings, vaccinations, and early interventions. As Medicaid cuts take hold, experts warn the coverage gap will widen — with lasting consequences for child health outcomes across the country.