Medicaid

New & Noteworthy

5 Key Facts about Medicaid Coverage for People with Disabilities
More than 1 in 3 people with disabilities (15 million) have Medicaid (35%). In comparison, only 19% of people without disabilities have Medicaid (Figure 1). Disability is defined as having any of the following difficulties: hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, or independent living.
The 5 Largest Medicaid Managed Care Plans
The 5 largest companies operating Medicaid managed care organizations – Centene, CVS Health, Elevance, Molina, and UnitedHealth – account for half of Medicaid MCO enrollment nationally. A look at their recent enrollment and financial trends.
What is Medicaid Home Care (HCBS)?
This issue brief provides an overview of what Medicaid home care (also known as “home- and community-based services” or HCBS) is, who is covered, and what services were available in 2024. About 4.5 million people receive Medicaid covered home care services annually.
How Medicaid Financing Works and What That Means for Proposals to Change it
Medicaid financing is complex. This policy watch explains how Medicaid financing works, describes various conservative proposals to change Medicaid financing, and explores the implications of those changes for states and enrollees.

The Essentials

Health Policy 101: Medicaid
KFF’s new primer on U.S. health policy examines how major public programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the ACA are structured, funded, operated, and more.
10 Things: Medicaid Managed Care
Comprehensive managed care is the most common way states deliver Medicaid services to enrollees, and new federal rules strengthen standards for managed care access.
Medicaid Financing: The Basics
Medicaid represents $1 out of $6 spent on health care in the U.S. and is the major source of financing for state health coverage and long-term services and supports for low-income residents.
Medicaid Section 1115 Waivers: The Basics
We explain how these waivers are used, summarize key waiver requirements, and outline the application and approval process. Also, our waiver tracker catalogues pending and approved waivers.
10 Things to Know About Medicaid
Medicaid is the primary program providing comprehensive coverage of health and long-term care to 83 million low-income people in the United States. Medicaid accounts for one-fifth of all health care spending.

Long-Term Care

Who are Our Direct Care Workers?
Learn about the demographic characteristics and pay of direct care workers, including home health aides, personal care aides, nursing assistants, and others.
Focus Groups with Direct Care Workers
In focus groups that KFF conducted in May, caregivers described their work as physically and mentally demanding, with limited resources for dealing with challenges.
How does Medicaid Support Family Caregivers?
All states support family caregivers through Medicaid home care programs. The types of supports differ across various populations and states.
Who Uses Medicaid for Long-Term Care?
Nearly 6 million people receive Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) for assistance with activities of daily living. Over half of these enrollees are under 65.
Long-Term Services and Supports
Long-term services and supports (LTSS) are expensive and not generally covered by Medicare or health insurance. Medicaid paid for more than half of U.S. LTSS costs in 2022.