Comparing Public and Private Health Insurance for Children

Publication Date: May 2007

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Leighton Ku

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Health insurance; Income diversity; Economic inequality; Economic projections

Type: Report

Abstract:

In considering the pending reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), some have recommended that Congress use federal funds to subsidize purchasing private health insurance rather than expanding public health insurance, like Medicaid or SCHIP. Some may reflexively assume that private health insurance is more efficient or more effective than public insurance.  However, the available evidence indicates that public health coverage is less expensive than private insurance and provides comparable, and in some cases better, access to health care for children.