Washington, D.C. — The Republican House budget resolution passed on February 25 instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion in costs over the next decade, which mathematically, would have to come primarily from the Medicaid program. A new Center for American Progress analysis estimates how many people are enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by congressional district and could be at risk of being forced off their health insurance.
Cutting Medicaid or CHIP would affect millions of Americans who rely on the program for health care, including children, older people, pregnant women, and more. 2023 data show just how far reaching Medicaid and CHIP coverage is:
- 41 percent of all births in the United States were financed by Medicaid.
- Children ages 0 to 18 make up nearly half of all Medicaid/CHIP enrollees nationally.
- Approximately 16 percent of adults ages 19 to 64 were covered by Medicaid and CHIP nationwide.
- 14 percent of adults older than age 65 had Medicaid coverage, nearly all of whom were dually eligible for Medicare. These older adults who qualify for both can use Medicaid to pay for Medicare insurance premiums and prescription drugs; some older adults who may require help with daily living can use Medicaid for long-term care.
“From pregnant women to children to older adults, millions of people rely on Medicaid to access health care services they need,” said Sara Estep, economist and co-author of the article. “This proposal by House Republicans would kick millions of people off their health care plans, forcing them to scramble to get access to the services and support they need. It would create chaos, uncertainty, and real harm for millions—the opposite of what Americans need right now.”
Read the article: “Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Mapped by 119th Congressional Districts” by Sara Estep, Natasha Murphy, and Andrea Ducas
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, please contact Sarah Nadeau at [email protected].