In partnership with Cathy Hope and the Say Ahhh! blog

Despite the increase in childhood poverty, our nation has managed to reduce the number of children going without health insurance during these tough economic times thanks to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.   This is great news but there is more work to be done as too many of our nation’s children are still uninsured.

To highlight the importance of connecting uninsured kids with affordable health care coverage, Moms Rising and Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families Say Ahhh! blogs are hosting a blog carnival..

Why focus on enrolling eligible but uninsured children?  Over 4 million of America’s children are going without health insurance right now even though they are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.  Some have been unable to enroll due to bureaucratic barriers put in their way.  Other families are not aware that their children are eligible.

There are some incredibly dedicated and talented organizations working to remove roadblocks to coverage and connecting children with coverage.  The blog carnival is an opportunity to share with you some of their success stories.  We also hear from some families who rely on Medicaid or CHIP to meet their children’s health needs.  As HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius points out in her blog: “No child or young person should have to skip a doctor’s appointment or go without the medicine they need because their family can’t afford it.”

We hope the blog carnival will inspire all of us to redouble our efforts to reach eligible but uninsured children.

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Connecting Kids to Coverage: A Message From Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Children’s Health is a National Priority, Patrick McIntyre, United Way

Talking Enrollment in the Windy City, Jennifer Sullivan, Enroll America

Medicaid & CHIP Approval Rating Higher than Employer Coverage Among Parents, Tricia Brooks, Say Ahhh!

Expanding Access to Care for Young Adults Through the Right Outreach and Enrollment Strategies, Brian Burrell, Young Invincibles

Waiting on the World to Change, Kelli King-Jackson, Children’s Defense Fund- Texas

Medicaid a Lifeline for Families, Elena Runiantseva, WA State MomsRising member and Medicaid beneficiary

SC Medicaid Director Seeks to Remove Roadblocks to Medicaid Enrollment, Sue Berkowitz, Say Ahhh!

Using Mobile Phones to Help Families Access Vital Medicaid Coverage, Lisa Han, The Children’s Partnership

11 Tips to Help Children Get Enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, Judy Darnell and Stephanie Hodson, United Ways of CA

Exciting News About ARKids and Medicaid, Elisabeth Wright Burak

Updated Research Gives Fresh Clues to Reaching Uninsured Children, Tricia Brooks, Say Ahhh!

CHIPRA helps to keep Chicago area kids and teens healthy, Marge Dunne, Brittany Ward, Stephanie Gutierrez, Beacon Therapeutic