Premiums and Cost-Sharing in Medicaid: A Review of Research Findings

Medicaid covers nearly 60 million Americans. Because the population covered by the program is low-income, federal law limits the extent to which states can charge premiums and cost-sharing amounts, particularly for pregnant women, children and adults with incomes below poverty. Yet there is renewed interest in the use of premiums and cost-sharing in Medicaid given the continued focus on cost-containment due to ongoing state budget pressures as well as recently proposed changes to federal regulations on premiums and cost-sharing in Medicaid programs. This brief, based on a review of published research, provides an overview of the effects of cost-sharing and premiums on populations with low income and significant health care needs.

Brief (.pdf)

See related: Premiums and Cost-Sharing in Medicaid