Medicaid is the single largest healthcare coverage program in the country and is particularly important for low-income households. About 80 million Americans are insured through Medicaid, a joint federal and state government program that provides free or low-cost care to adults and families with limited incomes, individuals with disabilities, pregnant people, and those in long-term care facilities. 

Nationally, Medicaid covers:

• 20% of the U.S. population, but this varies from state to state
• Over 40% of births
• 40% of children overall, but 80% of children and nearly 50% of adults living at or below the federal poverty line
• Nearly 50% of children with special healthcare needs
• 25% of adults with disabilities

It’s important to know that Medicare does not cover long-term care—Medicaid does. People thinking about their futures, including retirement and long-term care, should recognize that Medicaid could be important to them. Medicare will cover skilled nursing facilities for a short time but not for extended stays. That’s where Medicaid comes in.

Congress is currently discussing how to slash as much as $800 billion from Medicaid over the next 10 years—a huge portion of the program’s budget. Already a lean program, to maintain the current levels of coverage, states would have to invest a lot more money (which most states don’t have), substantially reduce the number of existing enrollees through eligibility changes or offer more limited services.

Millions of people, including children, people with disabilities, working families, and the elderly, stand to lose their healthcare. Tell Congress to protect access to this life-saving program.