Medicaid Expansions from 1997 to 2009 Increased Coverage and Improved Access and Mental Health Outcomes for Low-Income Parents
Expanding eligibility for Medicaid leads to increased insurance coverage, improved access, and better mental health status among low-income parents, according to a new study from the Urban Institute. The researchers used data from the National Health Interview Survey to assess the effects of Medicaid expansions between 1997 and 2009. They argue that uninsured populations in states that are not currently participating in the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act would experience even larger improvements in coverage and health outcomes than those in participating states if they chose to expand eligibility.