Continuous Coverage: Removing Barriers to Children's Health Care

The large number of children who lack health insurance is a source of concern for public officials and policymakers. This brief notes that continuous coverage for children in the SCHIP and Medicaid programs—which allows them to maintain their eligibility for a specified period, regardless of changes in income or family structure—can be a key part of a state’s strategy to cover more children. It also discusses the ramifications for state Medicaid and SCHIP programs.