The research shows more than a million children were without health insurance in 2024, meaning that almost one in four uninsured kids in the country is a Texan.

Tessa Galloso, a policy fellow for mental health with Texans Care for Children, said the numbers should be a wake-up call for state and national lawmakers.

“Data shows us that it’s affecting families all across our state,” said Galloso. “Texans of every racial and ethnic background – white, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American – they all have higher uninsured rates than the national average. And so, I think this shows that health coverage is a statewide challenge and has to be addressed through statewide solutions.”

She said about half the children who are uninsured are eligible for coverage.

Most of them lost their benefits during what’s known as the Medicaid unwinding process after the pandemic, when more than a million children were unenrolled.

Galloso added that state leaders should work to help families get connected to services they’re qualified to receive.

Overall, the report shows the United States saw an 18% increase in the number of uninsured children nationwide.

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said not having insurance coverage for children puts a strain on families.

“An accident on the playground or untreated asthma can result in trips to the emergency room, which cost thousands and thousands of dollars, potentially sending families into debt and bankruptcy,” said Alker. “When care is delayed due to lack of insurance, children become sicker. They can wind up in the hospital, requiring more expensive care.”

Galloso said potential cuts to federal funding mean the uninsured rate could increase again in 2026.

“The United States Congress needs to extend the enhanced premium tax credits before they expire at the end of this year,” said Galloso. “If they don’t, many families in Texas with Marketplace insurance face increases of hundreds of extra dollars in their monthly payments or premiums.”

Related: Rural Texas could lose dozens of hospitals under Republican budget bill