New data from the U.S. Census shows that in 35 states the number of children enrolled in private health insurance has declined.
Between 2009 and 2010 1.6 million kids lost coverage.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey Institute can’t pinpoint the primary cause behind the drop in private insurance.
Carsey’s Jessica Bean says unemployment is a likely culprit.
“If families no longer have the types of jobs they used to have. Maybe they are working part-time, where they weren’t before and now they just simply aren’t eligible for benefits for their children.”
Bean says over the same time period, public health programs have added about 2 million children.
But the researcher says as states cut back on spending, these programs are at risk.
Bean says New Hampshire hasn’t seen much change in private or public enrollment.