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Biden administration moves to protect Alaska wilderness; opening statements and first witness in NY trial; SCOTUS hears Starbucks case, with implications for unions on the line; rural North Carolina town gets pathway to home ownership.

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The Supreme Court weighs cities ability to manage a growing homelessness crisis, anti-Israeli protests spread to college campuses nationwide, and more states consider legislation to ban firearms at voting sites and ballot drop boxes.

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Wyoming needs more educators who can teach kids trade skills, a proposal to open 40-thousand acres of an Ohio forest to fracking has environmental advocates alarmed and rural communities lure bicyclists with state-of-the-art bike trail systems.

Nevada's Latino Children Among "Have-Nots" for Health Insurance

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Thursday, March 19, 2020   

LAS VEGAS -- Many Americans lack health insurance, a problem highlighted by the current COVID-19 crisis, and a new report says Latino children are increasingly vulnerable.

After decades of progress, the report shows that between 2016 and 2018, both the number and rate of uninsured Latino children in the U.S. increased significantly.

Alex Camberos, child health policy manager for Children's Advocacy Alliance of Nevada, says during that time, the rate of Nevada's uninsured Latino children grew by more than 13%, or almost 4,000 children.

"Nevada is home to a large share of Latino children -- about 41% of children in Nevada are Latino, compared to about 25% nationwide, and 95% of those Latino children are U.S. citizens," he points out.

Camberos says much of the increase in uninsured Latino children can be traced to the Trump administration's effort to reduce health care programs for immigrant families.

The report was prepared by UnidosUS and the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.

Lead author Kelly Whitener says at the end of 2018, the total number of uninsured Latino children across the U.S. was 1.6 million.

"So, these are working families," she points out. "Latino families have higher workforce participation rates actually than average, but they're not able to access employer-sponsored coverage. Or if they do have an offer of employer-sponsored coverage, it may be unaffordable or only for the worker and not extend to the whole family."

Camberos says prior to 2016, the rate of uninsured Latino children had decreased to a historic low.

"Continuous health coverage is critical for all children because it improves their health and educational outcomes during childhood and sets them up for a healthier and more prosperous future," he stresses.

Camberos adds that research from the Urban Institute shows Latino and immigrant communities are often fearful of getting health coverage, because they think there may be immigration consequences.

To enroll a child in Nevada's Medicaid program, parents can call 877-638-3472.

Disclosure: Georgetown University Center for Children & Families contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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