According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, 7.0% (16,667) of Rhode Island children under age 18 were uninsured in the three year period from 2006-2008. This is similar to Rhode Island's rate of 6.9% of children in 2005-2007. Rhode Island now ranks 14th in the nation for children's health insurance coverage, (where first is the best), down from 11th between 2005-2007. 
 
Nationwide, the U.S. rate of uninsured children was 10.8% between 2006-2008, down from 11.2% in 2005-2007. The single year rate for uninsured children in 2008 was 9.9%, the lowest rate of uninsured children in the United States since 1987. 
 

As national health reform takes shape, it is critical that as a nation we finish the job and cover all kids. Uninsured children are less likely to receive preventive medical care for common conditions, such as asthma and ear infections, that if left untreated can have lifelong consequences and lead to more serious health problems. 

Read The Providence Journal article, Number of uninsured R.I. children holds steady.