As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact federal healthcare spending, over a million Texans are expected to lose their Medicaid coverage over the next year. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services is currently reviewing Medicaid rolls to determine who qualifies, a process that was postponed during the pandemic. However, public health experts predict that Medicaid rolls will be reduced by up to 20%, leading to billions of dollars a year in additional federal healthcare spending in Texas.

Currently, there are 5.9 million Texans enrolled in Medicaid, a significant increase from 3.9 million prior to the pandemic in 2019. The expected reduction in Medicaid coverage is further straining the state’s healthcare system, which is already struggling financially. Texas hospitals are experiencing declining funding from the government as the emergency funding from Congress, which delivered more than $400 million to Memorial Hermann and over $200 million to MD Anderson, has ended.

With the resumption of cuts to Medicare fees, hospitals are trying to keep up with rising salaries for healthcare workers. The state’s hospitals have been impacted by the pandemic, with operating margins down by 24% on average from the beginning of the pandemic. The decline in funding from Washington has led hospitals to lobby the state to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers, who make up a significant portion of Texas Medicaid rolls, to 12 months from two.

The Texas House has passed the bill, but it’s unclear whether there’s enough support to pass it through the Senate. Texas is one of the 10 states nationwide that have not expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, leaving the majority of the state’s low-income workers without coverage.

Public health advocates are urging the government to shift those who lose coverage to other government health care plans, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program and low-cost health insurance plans created under the Affordable Care Act.

However, Texas’s limited subsidies to help low-income workers pay for coverage make Obamacare too expensive for many families, causing them to delay regular health checkups.

Medicaid, the government-sponsored healthcare program, provides coverage to millions of low-income and vulnerable individuals across the United States. With a focus on providing access to healthcare for those who cannot afford it, Medicaid has become a vital lifeline for many Americans.

Recent changes to Medicaid coverage have expanded access to care for even more individuals. In 2022, more states than ever before will have expanded Medicaid eligibility to include adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This change is expected to provide coverage to an additional 4 million individuals, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare services.

One of the key benefits of Medicaid coverage is the ability to receive preventative care. Medicaid covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventative care such as immunizations and cancer screenings. This can help catch health issues early on, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs in the long term.

Medicaid coverage has also been instrumental in providing access to mental health and addiction services. In the wake of the opioid epidemic, Medicaid has played a critical role in providing coverage for substance abuse treatment and other related services. This has helped individuals struggling with addiction get the help they need to overcome their challenges and improve their quality of life.

While Medicaid coverage has been a vital resource for millions of Americans, there are still challenges to ensuring everyone who needs coverage can access it. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that providers are adequately reimbursed for the care they provide. This can make it difficult for some providers to accept Medicaid patients, limiting access to care.

Overall, Medicaid coverage has been a lifeline for millions of Americans. With expanded eligibility and a focus on preventative care and mental health services, Medicaid is helping to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the United States. As we look to the future, it is critical that we continue to invest in programs like Medicaid to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

How To Benefit From Subsidies Offered By The State?