The dynamics of Medicaid enrollment

This longitudinal study examines transitions on and off Medicaid in the 1984 Panel of the Survey of Income and Program Participation. A majority of those enrolled at the outset, but just 43% of those enrolled at any time during the 32-month survey, remained on Medicaid throughout. While slightly less than half of those departing the program subsequently enjoyed improved employment, private insurance, and higher incomes, nearly half were still poor and 55% became uninsured, indicating that persons who lost their Medicaid cards were in real danger of being without insurance and financial access to health care--a serious disincentive to get off welfare.