What We're Learning

Report: Medicaid Works: A Review of How Public Insurance Protects the Health and Finances of Children and Vulnerable Populations

Leighton Ku and Christine Ferguson

This report, commissioned by First Focus and funded by Atlantic, describes the success of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in increasing health insurance coverage among children; strengthening access to medical, health and developmental services; and safeguarding the finances of low-income families and individuals.

It also explores the potential impact of the fiscal year 2012 budget resolution approved by the House of Representatives, which would transform Medicaid essentially into a block grant. Such a proposal would end Medicaid as we know it - causing states to reduce enrolment, limit benefits, cut provider payments, and shift more costs onto the children and families who rely on public programmes.

First Focus is an Atlantic grantee.

> Summary of the key findings from this report

> Full report

Tags:

children & youth, Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP, First Focus, medicaid, United States