How many people have lost Medicaid coverage?

Asked by: Dorthy Larkin DVM  |  Last update: March 13, 2025
Score: 5/5 (35 votes)

At the end of the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision in most states, over 56 million people had their coverage renewed and over 25 million people have been disenrolled (Figure 1).

How many Americans lost Medicaid?

Over 25 million people were disenrolled from Medicaid and over 56 million had their coverage renewed, according to KFF's analysis of the outcomes of the Medicaid unwinding, which nearly all states have now completed.

How many people are in the Medicaid coverage gap?

Almost 1.5 million Americans are currently in the coverage gap. The coverage gap only exists in nine states, and it's entirely caused by those states' decision to not expand Medicaid.

Why is Medicaid enrollment decreasing?

National Medicaid enrollment is expected to decline by 4.4% in fiscal year 2025, due partially to states “unwinding” coverage after the period of continuous enrollment implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis by KFF.

Are people getting kicked off Medicaid?

The rates widely vary by state. About 1 in 5 people with Medicaid have been disenrolled. Of this group, 69% were dropped for so-called procedural reasons, according to KFF.

150,000 Arizonans have lost Medicaid coverage

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Why are doctors dropping Medicaid?

Medicaid patients are losing their doctors as the federal government lowers reimbursement rates for health care providers. Doctors have a choice in which health insurance they accept, and not all of them opt into the government-run Medicaid and Medicare, which serve low-income and senior Americans.

What is the main problem with Medicaid?

But it has been difficult to launch and sustain managed care under Medicaid: Program design has been complicated and time-consuming, and administrative costs are higher, at least in the initial stages (Freund et. al., 1989; Spitz and Abramson, 1987). The Federal waiver process has been cumbersome for many States.

Why are people against Medicaid?

Conservatives view Medicaid as “just another welfare program,” this time hiding in health care clothes. Their view is that welfare programs, including Medicaid, have caused more harm than good by promoting dependency and using taxpayer dollars unwisely.

What happens if I decline Medicaid?

If you were found eligible for Medicaid but do not wish to enroll, you will need to fill out the Decline Medicaid Coverage Form available here. Declining Medicaid will not change your eligibility for advance premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to use to purchase a private health insurance plan.

What is the future outlook for Medicaid?

As anticipated, state Medicaid spending growth increased sharply in FY 2024 (19.2%) but is projected to slow to 7.0% in FY 2025, only slightly higher than total spending growth as the shifts caused by the enhanced FMAP expiration end (Figure 3).

What are the hardest states to get Medicaid?

The 10 most deficient state programs have overall scores ranging from between 317.8 and 379.1 of the total 1000 points. The worst, in order from 50th to 41st, are in Mississippi, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Indiana, South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Missouri.

What 10 states have not expanded Medicaid?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010, but 10 states have not expanded Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for low-income people. They are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Can you be too poor for Medicaid?

Eligibility for children was extended to at least 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL) in every state (most states cover children to higher income levels), and states were given the option to extend eligibility to adults with income at or below 133% of the FPL.

Who uses Medicaid the most?

In 2020, Medicaid and CHIP provided coverage for nearly 55 million people of color. These programs provide essential coverage for a population that is more diverse than the broader U.S. population—especially among children, with 61 percent of Medicaid and CHIP enrollees under age 19 being children of color.

Are nearly 1 in 4 adults dumped from Medicaid are now uninsured?

A new survey on the fallout from resumed checks on Medicaid eligibility found that nearly 1 in 4 people bumped from Medicaid coverage last year remain uninsured. Nearly half the people kicked out of the program ultimately qualified again, suggesting they shouldn't have been thrown out in the first place.

Why is Medicaid enrollment declining?

Medicaid enrollment grew more slowly in FY 2023 and is expected to decline in FY 2024 due to the unwinding of the continuous enrollment requirement (Figure 2).

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

Can doctors reject Medicaid?

Specialty specific physicians may be less likely to accept Medicaid due to a combination of factors. Lower reimbursement rates for specialized services compared to primary care, complex case management, and potential language barriers with patients that all play a role in making decisions.

Why does nobody accept Medicaid?

One reason is that reimbursement rates for Medicaid are lower than for Medicare or commercial insurance. Another (often overlooked) factor, however, is physician's risk of payment denials and the administrative hassle they face trying to get reimbursed by Medicaid.

Is there a downside to getting Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid

They will have a decreased financial ability to opt for elective treatments, and they may not be able to pay for top brand drugs or other medical aids. Another financial concern is that medical practices cannot charge a fee when Medicaid patients miss appointments.

Why don't people like Medicaid?

Republicans also generally don't like Medicaid. They see it as program that primarily serves Democratic voters (there are about 20 million Republicans on Medicaid), and as a form of welfare with little difference from cash assistance, and not as health coverage.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

What is a Medicaid crisis?

A Medicaid crisis refers to a situation where an individual urgently needs long-term care services but faces hurdles in qualifying for Medicaid. This usually happens when someone has not taken prior steps to manage their assets or financial planning concerning Medicaid eligibility.