US Children could lose healthcare access

Children in the United States could face indirect disruptions to healthcare coverage if their parents lose Medicaid benefits, even when the children themselves remain eligible, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families has warned.

Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrolment among children nationwide fell by 2.56 million between January 2025 and August 2026.

The concern comes as states prepare to implement new Medicaid work requirements from January 1, 2027, raising fears that low-income families already struggling with reduced food assistance could face further difficulties accessing healthcare and nutrition support.

Under the new requirements, certain adults covered through Medicaid expansion and specified waiver programmes will generally have to complete or document 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, including employment, education, job training or community service.

Although children are not directly targeted by the requirements, experts warn that changes affecting parents’ healthcare coverage could create additional challenges for entire households.

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