From the CBPP: The Impact of Medicaid Work Requirements on Children

When parents have health insurance, their children are more likely to be insured. That’s a big reason why the ACA’s expansion of Medicaid for parents significantly increased children’s health coverage, helping drive the uninsured rate for children to a historic low of 4.5 percent in 2016. But a new Trump Administration policy lets states take Medicaid coverage away from people who fail to work. This policy threatens gains in health coverage and access to care for parents and their children. Not only does Medicaid help parents of children, but it also helps schools. In a recent survey of 1,000 school superintendents, 57 percent of districts reporting said that they’d have trouble meeting special education mandates without Medicaid funding. Medicaid helps children in their families and in school. Harsh new work requirements and threats to Medicaid funding could take away this crucial support. Read: How Medicaid Work Requirements Will Harm Children   Download the PDF (2pp) Read: Medicaid Continues to Help Schools Help Children

From Public News Service: Can ND Level the Playing Field for Children of Color?

Can ND Level the Playing Field for Children of Color?
October 24, 2017 - Eric Tegethoff, Public News Service (ND)

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Experts in child well-being say education is key to level the playing field for children of color. (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture/Flickr)

BISMARCK, N.D. – A new report reveals the persistent disparities for children of color and those in immigrant families, in North Dakota and across the country.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2017 Race for Results report measures key milestones in child development across racial and ethnic groups. It says in North Dakota, inequality looms large for Native American families.

Karen Olson, program director North Dakota Kids Count says gaps for children of color stem mainly from poverty, which can mean a childhood of traumatic experiences that cause toxic stress...

"That affects children's health, brain development, and social and emotional well-being," she explains. "So, I think it's important that we implement culturally relevant and appropriate education practices, services to help end that cycle of trauma."

Olson says disparities for children of color decreased across the board from the 2014 Race for Results report due in large part to greater opportunities, and greater attainment, in education. She also notes an effective program known as "Sources to Strength" that is working to prevent suicide among Native American kids and teens.

Laura Speer is the associate director of policy reform and advocacy at the Casey Foundation. She says kids are the future parents, workers and leaders of the United States - and if they're given the opportunity to fully participate in society, the country will benefit.

"As they get older, these kids are going to drive local and state economies," she notes. "They're going to contribute to their communities, and they're really going be the driving force in ensuring that we're all better off in the long run."

Speer encourages lawmakers to level the playing field for all kids. The report says programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, tax credits, housing and childcare make a big difference in parents' ability to support their children.