Protect affordable healthcare coverage under Medicaid

PAN’S POSITION

The Medicaid program must be protected to ensure eligible people have access to healthcare.

Congress should protect affordable healthcare coverage under Medicaid to ensure eligible people have access to care. New federal policy changes—such as work requirements and reduced state funding—threaten to disrupt and deny access to care for millions who rely on Medicaid as their primary–and oftentimes sole–source of coverage. 

Because of these changes, an estimated 7.5 million people are expected to lose health coverage by 2034. This includes about 1.4 million low-income dual Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who risk losing their Extra Help benefits, which provides critical financial assistance for out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Those who remain eligible for coverage are projected to face higher copays for certain medical services, resulting in greater annual out-of-pocket costs that will disproportionately affect adults with multiple chronic conditions. 

The Medicaid program, widely supported by the American public and often the main health insurance program for individuals with low income, provides a range of essential health services. These services include regular exams, immunizations, doctor and clinic visits, inpatient and outpatient care, and certain dental and vision benefits.