Breaking Through the Noise: The Facts about the Medicaid Program

Brendan Flinn, AARP Public Policy Institute

Jean Accius

Published October 09, 2018

Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of children, adults with low incomes, individuals with disabilities and older adults who depend on Medicaid for health care services and assistance with long-term services and supports (LTSS) such as eating, bathing, and dressing.

This Fact Sheet highlights several key facts that are important to know about Medicaid and the millions of people who depend on this program to address their daily needs.

MORE FROM AARP

Medicare Savings Program Enrollment Increases When States Expand Financial Eligibility Criteria

This AARP Insight reports findings from an analysis of MSP enrollment patterns in a sample of four states before and after the states expanded MSP eligibility criteria.

Mature couple working on family finances at home together. They pay bills, complete income taxes, apply for home loan, investing, or pay off a credit card.

Policy Options to Improve Older Adults’ Health Insurance Affordability

Despite gains in health coverage and affordability under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a significant number of Americans remain uninsured, including millions of adults ages 50 to 64, and affordability and access barriers remain. Policymakers can pursue a wide range of options to improve access to affordable health coverage and reduce racial/ethnic and other disparities in coverage.

The mid adult female doctor and her senior adult male patient discuss the home healthcare options listed in the brochure.

Eliminating Access to No-Cost Preventive Health Services Could Affect More Than 12 Million Adults Ages 50 to 64

A Texas federal court recently ruled that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision of requiring most private health insurers to cover recommended preventive services without cost-sharing was unconstitutional, putting access to no-cost critical preventive health services in jeopardy for millions of Americans. That decision is now pending appeal.

Navigating the Medicare Coverage Maze: Challenges and Policy Solutions

Speakers discussed new research on people’s experiences with Medicare marketing, what factors and information influence Medicare coverage choices, and potential policy opportunities to better support consumers during open enrollment.

Doing the Medicare Homework: Starting Out and Ongoing

This study examined Medicare enrollment experiences for adults 64 (coming-of-agers) and 65+. It assessed familiarity, satisfaction, and plan switching.