In a report released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicaid enrollment numbers grew to over 66 million in June 2014 with more than 7.2 million additional people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program compared to an average monthly enrollment prior to the start of open enrollment in October 2013. And because enrollment in these programs can happen year-round, that number is still growing.
While enrollment in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act has risen by 18.5 percent since before open enrollment in the health insurance marketplaces began in October 2013, states that have not expanded reported only a 4 percent increase in enrollment during this same period. If the remaining 24 states accept federal funding to expand their Medicaid programs, 5.7 million more low-income Americans could have access to affordable, quality care. Expanding Medicaid is covered by 100 percent federal funds in the first three years, and federal funding never falls below 90 percent after that.
Ignatius Bau 