Medicaid

Medicaid is a partnership between states and the federal government. Currently, Medicaid is one of the largest, if not the largest, budget item for states across the country. States are required to balance their budgets, and the federal government is a key partner in ensuring the sustainability of Medicaid programs across the country. Without predictable and sufficient federal funding, states will be forced to reduce the number of patients and services that states can support. Choosing between children, low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and hardworking families who rely on Medicaid for their health insurance and long-term care is not sustainable for our economy.    

For many with Medicaid coverage, it is their sole health coverage option and the gateway to accessing health care services and ensuring their well-being. Compared to uninsured individuals, Americans on Medicaid are more likely to use preventive care, have a primary care provider, and receive regular care for chronic conditions, helping to avoid costly emergency hospitalizations and lowering health care costs for everyone. In contrast, uninsured patients often delay seeking care, leading to more severe and expensive health issues, ending up in hospital emergency rooms, and increasing uncompensated care costs – further straining the health care system. 

A strong Medicaid program supports hardworking Americans and a healthy economy: 

• Over 37 million children – half of all kids under 19 – have access to critical pediatric care, including check-ups, developmental screenings, vision and hearing services, dental care, mental health care, and more through Medicaid and CHIP.  

• Medicaid ensures pregnant women have access to prenatal care. In fact, 48 states offer pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum. Studies show continued Medicaid coverage for these patients ensures better health outcomes, educational success, and financial stability.   

• Medicaid ensures over 7 million seniors have access to care they otherwise couldn’t afford, including long-term or nursing home care for the most vulnerable, which is largely not covered by Medicare.   

• Over 15 million hardworking Americans access health care services through Medicaid because their employer doesn’t offer health coverage. Research shows that access to timely health care services ensures America’s workforce is healthy and able to contribute, which is critical for growing our economy.   

Research shows people with health insurance live longer healthier lives. In rural areas, Medicaid contributes to poverty reduction and reduced mortality. 

• Over 12 million rural Americans rely on Medicaid, and children and families in small towns and rural areas are more likely than those living in metro areas to rely on Medicaid/CHIP for their health insurance. Without Medicaid coverage, these patients would be uninsured, may avoid seeking necessary care, or be unable to pay for their hospital care, adding to the financial burden facing hospitals and leading to closures.   

• Since 2010, 74% of rural hospital closures have been in states that did not extend Medicaid coverage to all low-income adults. Hospital closures ultimately impact all patients’ – including those on private insurance – access to care.   

Hospitals are open 24/7 to care for everyone – no matter their health coverage or ability to pay. Medicaid protects patients’ health care access and improves affordability for all Americans, ensuring that the most vulnerable Americans – seniors, children, and those struggling to make ends meet – can continue to be healthy, contributing members of our economy.