Resumption Of Medicaid Eligibility Redeterminations: Little Change In Overall Insurance Coverage.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• Health Insurance

Background:

• The COVID-19 public health emergency's end led to the termination of Medicaid continuous coverage.
• States resumed eligibility determinations (Medicaid unwinding) starting April 2023.
• Impact of Medicaid unwinding on uninsurance rates was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the early effect of Medicaid unwinding on insurance coverage.
• To analyze changes in coverage among adults aged 19-64.
• To assess the transition from Medicaid to other forms of health insurance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey.
• Focused on the initial three months following the resumption of Medicaid redeterminations.
• Estimated changes in self-reported Medicaid coverage and overall insurance status.

Main Results:

• Approximately two million individuals reported a decline in Medicaid coverage.
• A statistically insignificant decrease of about 467,000 people in overall coverage was observed.
• Employer-sponsored insurance and private coverage appeared to offset Medicaid losses for many.

Conclusions:

• The resumption of Medicaid eligibility redeterminations has had a smaller impact on uninsurance than anticipated.
• Tracking coverage transitions during unwinding is crucial for identifying at-risk populations.
• Data can inform state outreach and enrollment assistance for Marketplace coverage and subsidies.