Senator Andy Kim Introduces “MediKids” Plan to Extend Medicaid Coverage to All Children

Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) unveiled legislation that would automatically enroll every child born in the United States in a Medicaid-style program, extending coverage through age 26. The bill, dubbed the MediKids Act, would cover 100 percent of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for the enrolled cohort and would be optional—families could opt out for private plans. Kim described the measure as a “stepping-stone” toward broader universal-health-care reforms.

The Hill

Kim’s push follows a decade-long rise in child uninsurance rates, which climbed from 5.1 percent to 6 percent between 2022 and 2024—the highest level in ten years. The proposal builds on the existing State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) framework but expands eligibility to all children regardless of income. Kim has linked the effort to the Democratic Party’s historic pursuit of universal health coverage, tracing its roots to early-1940s proposals such as those introduced by Rep. John Dingell Sr.

The Hill

• Andy Kim – Senator from New Jersey, co-author of the MediKids Act; former Rhodes Scholar and foreign-policy aide.

The Hill

• Cory Booker – Senator from New Jersey, co-sponsor.

NOTUS

• Tammy Duckworth – Senator from Illinois, co-sponsor.

NOTUS

• Alex Padilla – Senator from California, co-sponsor.

NOTUS

• Approximately 4.5 million children lack any health insurance, representing about 6 percent of those under 18 (Kim).

The Hill

• An additional 23 million children are “under-insured,” meaning their coverage does not meet their health needs (Kim).

The Hill

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) reduced the overall uninsured population from roughly 46 million in 2010 to about 26 million, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

NOTUS

Senator Kim emphasized personal motivation, noting that his own son’s birth in 2017 sparked concerns about potential medical complications. Co-sponsors Booker, Duckworth, and Padilla have publicly backed the legislation, signaling unified Democratic support.

NOTUS

Republican leaders have historically opposed expansive government health programs, labeling proposals such as “Medicare for All” as a “massive government-run system” that could force people off preferred private plans. While no individual Republican was quoted, the party’s broader messaging frames Kim’s approach as a politically safer alternative that focuses on children rather than a full-scale overhaul.

NOTUS

If enacted, MediKids would guarantee health coverage for every child from birth to age 26, potentially reducing the 4.5 million uninsured and addressing the 23 million under-insured children identified by Kim. By mirroring the universal coverage seniors receive through Medicare, the plan could create a “bookend” system covering the most critical years of life. Proponents argue that such a foundation could shift public expectations and lay groundwork for future universal-health initiatives.

NOTUS

The proposal does not include a detailed cost estimate, and analysts have not yet projected its fiscal impact. Additionally, while Kim cites “overwhelming public support,” polling data on specific voter attitudes toward a universal child-coverage program were not provided.

The Hill

Kim indicated that the MediKids Act will likely await a Democratic administration before moving forward, suggesting that its legislative timeline depends on future electoral outcomes. He framed the bill as part of a long-term strategy, stating he intends to pursue the idea for the duration of his Senate career.

NOTUS