Health Services Financing and Utilization The availability of
and access to quality health care directly affects the health of
the population. This is especially true of those at high risk
due to low socioeconomic status or chronic medical conditions.
Children may receive health coverage through a number of
sources, including private insurance, either employer-based or
purchased directly, and public programs, such as Medicaid or the
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Eligibility for
public programs is based on a family’s income compared to the
Federal poverty level. Nearly every state has CHIP programs that
help to expand coverage to children who would otherwise be
uninsured. Despite the progress achieved through public
programs, approximately 7.5 million children remain uninsured in
the United States. This section presents data on the health
insurance status and utilization of health services within the
maternal and child population. Data are summarized by source of
payment, type of care, and place