When it comes to the number of kids with health insurance, Alaska is bucking a national trend.
Previously, the state had the highest rate of uninsured kids in the country. Not anymore: A recent study by the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute found that — while the number of uninsured children nationwide has increased over the past three years — in Alaska, the percentage of uninsured children has actually decreased.
Trevor Storrs, president and CEO of the nonprofit Alaska Children’s Trust, says the numbers are closely tied to Medicaid expansion — and they have economic implications for the entire state.
Kirsten Swann is a producer and reporter for Alaska Public Media.
