Definition

The total number of low-income children of all ages receiving health coverage through Medical Assistance (MA), the state’s version of Medicaid.

Data Source

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Income Maintenance, Bureau of Program Support

Notes

As discussed in our State of Children's Health Reports, a key factor affecting increased enrollment within Medicaid was the disenrollment freeze that began March 18, 2020, implemented in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This freeze remained in place until the federal public health emergency (PHE) ended in April 2023. Unlike Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was not included in the FFCRA freeze, meaning that children were not guaranteed to keep their CHIP coverage during the PHE. As such, much of the decrease in CHIP enrollments occurred for children whose family income fell within Medicaid eligibility and were appropriately transferred. Those children retained coverage in Medicaid due to the disenrollment freeze regardless of any additional fluctuations in family income.

Last Updated

2025-08