A new study shows that from 2016 to 2019, one-third of children lack adequate and continuous insurance.

According to a paper published in the Journal of Pediatrics on Monday, the number of underinsured children increased by 2.4 million in three years, bringing the number of underinsured children to 23.7 million.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine analyzed data from the annual National Child Health Survey and found that the main reason for the increase was an increase in the rate of insufficient private insurance.

The author defines “insufficient” insurance as insurance that cannot meet the needs of children, does not allow patients to see their providers, and allows families to bear high out-of-pocket expenses. Dr. Amy Houtrow, Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Services at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and lead author of the report, said this has long-term effects on personal health and costs.

“According to their insurance, it is difficult for children to get what they need,” Houtrow said. “We know that insurance is directly related to getting care, and we want children to get the health care they need to be as healthy as possible so that they can become as healthy adults as possible.”

Families with children with special health needs and private insurance are more likely to report that they are underinsured. According to the study, 35% of families with children with complex diseases said their insurance was insufficient, compared with 25% of families with children without chronic diseases.

Immigrant families are also more likely to not have adequate insurance. 56.5% of children born outside the United States are fully and continuously insured, compared with 68.1% of children born in the United States.

Part of the problem can be attributed to the increase in high-deductible health plans, which is a widespread trend in employer-sponsored insurance. Most adults and children get insurance in this way. In the past ten years, the average denomination of deductible employees has risen by 92% to US$1,434. Caesar family Foundation yearly Polls of employer cover. Policies with higher deductibles are common in the personal insurance market, such as on health insurance exchanges.

Houtrow said the company should ensure that workers’ insurance covers the services children need. “People who choose insurance through their employers should be very clear that they know how these benefits are good for their children,” she said.

The “Better Building Act” passed by the House of Representatives will pass permanent funding of children’s health insurance plans and make it harder for children to lose Medicaid benefits due to eligibility issues, thereby supporting children’s continued access to health insurance.

Whether children receive public or private insurance, their ability to obtain care will affect them Long-term health Joan Alke, executive director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, said that as well as the collective health care costs faced by society.

The Medicaid coverage rate for children and pregnant women is related to the improvement of health status and the reduction of adult disability rate, higher education level and greater financial security, according to A federally funded study.

“The cost-effectiveness of providing preventive and early care is much higher, and as a society, this is a good investment,” Alke said.