The Implications of Medicaid for Low-Income Communities

Recent efforts to sharply cut back funding and support for Medicaid go beyond Washington politics — they threaten the health of millions of Americans. For the past 45 years, Medicaid has been a largely successful program that delivers essential health services to a large segment of the population.

Our country‟s most vulnerable citizens, including children, low-income parents, pregnant women, seniors, and those with disabilities have all benefited from this social service jointly administered by federal and state governments, as well as the Children‟s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). By expanding coverage and access — as well as financial protection — Medicaid has proved itself to be an effective program that delivers substantial value to the nation at large by improving health outcomes among people who otherwise would not be able to afford basic and necessary health care.

View the fact sheet, The Implications of Medicaid for Low-Income Communities, below.