FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 5, 2006
For Media Assistance

New Data Underscores Need to Provide Health
Insurance to Every California Child

Los Angeles--763,000 California children are uninsured, according to newly released data from the 2005 UCLA California Health Interview Survey. That leaves 7.3 percent of all California children without health insurance, which is statistically unchanged from 2003.  

"These data highlight the continuing need to cover all California children," said Jim Keddy, director, PICO California Project. "We are within reach of our goal—finishing the job of ensuring access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance for all California children, which will be achieved through the passage of Proposition 86 on November 7th."

According to UCLA, "[w]ith these programs [Prop 86] in place, California would provide public health insurance coverage options for all children in the state who do not have access to private health insurance."

The numbers also show that nearly 60 percent of the uninsured children are already eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families. Not only will Proposition 86 provide access to uninsured children who are currently not eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families, it will simplify the programs so that all eligible children can enroll in health insurance in the easiest manner possible.

"On November 7th, voters can ensure that all children in California have access to health insurance." said Deena Lahn, policy director, Children's Defense Fund-California. "By providing the funding and policy framework for covering all children, Proposition 86 will ensure all of California's uninsured children to have access to health care this year and in the future."

Proposition 86 will increase the state's tobacco tax by 13¢ per cigarette ($2.60 per pack) to reduce smoking in California, especially among youth, and provide immediate solutions for some of California's major health care challenges, including children's health insurance.

Comprehensive health insurance for children is cost-effective, and it provides access to early, less-costly preventive care and treatment. Research also shows that children with health insurance also perform better in school.

The public support for covering all children is widespread. Approximately 83 percent of California voters support a plan to "ensure that every child in California has health insurance," according to a recent statewide poll conducted by United Way of California.

The 100% Campaign, a collaborative effort of Children Now, Children's Defense Fund and The Children's Partnership, with primary funding from The California Endowment, was created to ensure that all of California's children obtain the health coverage they need to grow up strong and healthy.

The PICO California Project is the united effort of 20 California congregation-community organizations affiliated with the PICO National Network. Collectively, we represent 350 congregations and 400,000 families statewide and are actively organizing in over 70 cities in Northern and Southern California.