The number of Rhode Island children without health insurance fell significantly over a one-year period following the Affordable Care Act (ACA) taking effect, according to a new report by Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families.  

The rate of uninsurance among children nationwide dropped to a historic low of 6 percent following implementation of the ACA in 2014. 

Children's Health Insurance Rates in 2014: ACA Results in Significant Improvements compared 2013 and 2014 American Community Survey data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau. It estimated that: 

• The number of uninsured children in Rhode Island declined from approximately 12,000 in 2013 to approximately 7,000 in 2014. 
• The rate of uninsured children in Rhode Island fell from 5.4% in 2013 to 3.3% in 2014 - a total percentage point decline of 2.1%.

For more, please see the media release, full report, and Providence Journal article.

Focus on Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting includes data and information on infants born with key risk factors, and provides a comprehensive overview of Evidence-Based Family Home Visiting Programs in Rhode Island.

Healthy brain development depends on attentive, nurturing caregiving in infancy and early childhood. Research shows that there is a negative impact on brain development when young children do not have consistent, supportive relationships with caregivers and are exposed to "toxic stress." Providing early and intensive support to families with multiple risk factors improves outcomes, including improved maternal and child health.

To see additional publications in the Early Learning Fact Sheet Series, please click here.

ConvergenceRI recently hosted a conference on reducing toxic stress in Rhode Island, with leaders in neuroscience research, early childhood, pediatrics, policy, and Rhode Island College students. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Executive Director Elizabeth Burke Bryant was a featured panelist at the event. 
 

To learn more about toxic stress and Rhode Island children - including our indicators and publications related to toxic stress - please click here.