Pennsylvania Sees Decade-High Number of Uninsured Children
HARRISBURG, PA – December 3, 2025 – A newly released report reveals a concerning trend in Pennsylvania: the number of children without health insurance has climbed to its highest level in ten years. More than 153,000 children across the Commonwealth currently lack coverage, raising alarms among advocates for children’s health and access to care.
This surge in uninsured children represents a significant setback for Pennsylvania, potentially impacting their access to preventative care, necessary treatments, and overall well-being. The increase places a greater strain on families, schools, and the healthcare system, and underscores the need for renewed efforts to connect eligible children with available resources like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Programme (CHIP).The report’s findings are expected to fuel debate among policymakers regarding strategies to expand coverage and address the underlying factors contributing to this rise.
The data indicates a growing vulnerability within Pennsylvania’s youngest population. While the report did not specify the exact causes for the increase, factors such as changes in family employment status, eligibility requirements, and outreach efforts are likely contributors.Advocates are calling for increased funding for enrollment assistance programs and streamlined application processes to ensure that all eligible children can receive the healthcare they need.
