What the Election Could Mean for Medicaid – Health Care on the Ballot

Nationwide, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover approximately 80 million low-income individuals, including many vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. These programs are jointly funded by the federal government and the states. Although they are operated by states, they must comply with federal laws and policies. As a result, Medicaid and CHIP are often subject to federal policy shifts based on changes in the party that controls Congress and the presidency. The first Trump Administration promoted policies that created significant barriers to care through allowing Medicaid demonstration waivers that imposed work requirements and cost-sharing requirements as a condition of eligibility for the program. It also allowed states flexibility to cut benefits. In addition, Republicans leadership have recently promoted policies that would likely result in significant cuts to Medicaid. The outcome of the election could potentially create a pathway for these policies to advance.

Read our latest Health Care in Motion.