Expanding insurance coverage and access for low-income people

Medicaid provides health insurance for 40 million low-income women and children, elderly, blind, and disabled people. In 1996, state initiatives covered nearly a million more people who have very low incomes but aren't eligible for Medicaid. This issue of States of Health looks at the extent to which such programs to expand insurance coverage actually improve access to care. How many of those who are eligible are enrolled? How many receive appropriate care? And how can we increase those numbers to the limit?