Estimates show that more than 27 million Americans have lost their health insurance coverage during the COVID-19 crisis, and nearly half of those Americans are now eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid enrollment could increase by 5 to 18 million people by the end of the year, according to research from HMA, as Americans turn to the essential safety net the program provides amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Increased enrollment is occurring at the same time already-strained state budgets are dramatically reduced because of the economic downturn and loss of tax revenue. States are projected to face budget shortfalls of roughly $650 billion over the next 3 years, based on Congressional Budget Office and Wall Street forecasts.
Here’s a look at how Medicaid enrollment is growing in some states: