Some policy makers at the state and federal levels, seeking to close budget gaps, are looking to cut Medicaid, the state and federally funded program that provides health coverage to many low-income people. At the federal level, there is talk of making significant cuts to Medicaid, as well as of changing Medicaid into a block grant or capped program, with significantly reduced funding, which would also result in cuts to eligibility and to services that are covered by Medicaid. States are considering direct cuts to Medicaid services. They are also requesting relief from the Medicaid maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement in the health care law, the Affordable Care Act. This requirement is an important protection that prohibits states from reducing their Medicaid eligibility levels or changing the rules to make it harder for people to enroll in Medicaid.

These state reports look at the role Medicaid plays in providing long-term care. A national report is also available.

For more about why preserving the maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement is important for seniors and people with disabilities, see our series of state fact sheets.