About two thirds of the 9 mil uninsured kids in the U.S., could qualify for state health insurance programs. Texas leads all states with 20.3% uninsured children are Texas. Ohter states with a high proportion of uninsured cchildren are Florida and New Mexico. Among the states with lowest number of uninsured children are Vermont, New Hampshire, and Michigan.

The Childrens Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP) is being reauthorized in congress now. Lawmakers are debating the funding levels for SCHIP. They need enough money for all children currently enrolled and the millions more who remain unenrolled and are eligible. This is a "feel good" issue that most in congress would love to get behind. Unfortunately, the eligibility guidelines are being lowered to the point that people who can afford to insure their children will qualify for SCHIP. The money would be better spent on innovative ways of getting truly needy kids signed up.