Coverage

Medicaid Expansion Boosts State Economies

In 2013, we reached out to many states that were actively engaged in the Medicaid expansion debate. These states faced an important decision: whether or not to accept federal dollars to provide health...

Implementing Consumer-Friendly Health Insurance Marketplaces

The Affordable Care Act requires each state to have a health insurance marketplace (also known as an "exchange"), and it sets minimum standards for health plans sold in the marketplaces. But states ...

Medicaid Expansion and Rural Hospital Closures

Update: Who benefits from Medicaid expansion? New infographic A state's decision to forgo Medicaid expansion affects the staying power of hospitals in rural areas. The map below compares recent ...

Filling in Gaps in Consumer Assistance: How Exchanges Can Use Assisters

Consumers will need help enrolling in the new health coverage provided by the Affordable Care Act. Navigators and in-person assisters will play a vital role helping consumers learn about and sign up f...

A Tale of Two States: Decisions about Extending Medicaid Can Drastically Affect Residents’ Lives

When states don’t extend Medicaid, Americans are hit the hardest. Our brief compares two neighboring states, Missouri and Iowa. Iowa has extended Medicaid coverage, but Missouri has not. We he...

State Advocate To-Do List for 2013

With the health insurance marketplaces opening in October, we know 2013 is going to be a busy year for advocates as they prepare, to educate, and enroll consumers. Health policy experts and state a...

Cutting Medicaid Would Hurt States and Families

When members of Congress threaten to cut Medicaid, who is at risk? If Medicaid is cut, seniors, people with disabilities, children, and working families would suffer. This fact sheet explains that M...

Help Wanted: Preparing Navigators and Other Assisters to Meet New Consumer Needs

Consumers will need help applying for and enrolling in the new health insurance options that will be available starting on October 1. States will need to set up navigator and assister programs to meet...

Explainer: Medicaid Uncompensated Care Pools

Nine states have uncompensated care pools (also known as a “low-income pool” in Florida), which help health care providers—primarily hospitals—defray the costs of care that is not paid for. Th...

Medicaid: An Essential Program for States and Their Residents

Medicaid is a health insurance program that serves low-income Americans, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is jointly funded by states and the federal government. Federal M...