Medicaid, SCHIP and Economic Downturn: Policy Challenges and Policy Responses

Medicaid, SCHIP and Economic Downturn: Policy Challenges and Policy Responses

A new analysis conducted for the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured examines the implications of a downturn for health coverage and state programs and projects the impact of one percentage point rise in the national unemployment rate on Medicaid and SCHIP and the number of uninsured individuals. The analysis also documents how federal fiscal relief during the last economic downturn of 2003-2004 helped to stabilize Medicaid eligibility and let states avoid deeper budget cuts.

Executive Summary (.pdf)

Report (.pdf)

View Chart, Impact of Unemployment Growth on Medicaid and SCHIP and the Number Uninsured