Americans for Healthcare Access Now advocates for a strong, robust Medicaid program that keeps healthcare choices in the hands of consumers and supports positive health outcomes.
In states where Americans for Healthcare Access Now is active, we hold government officials accountable to ensure they’re protecting consumers by continually working to support and improve Medicaid. We believe that actions that negatively impact Medicaid – including detrimental changes to any of the intricacies that make it work – will not only result in large-scale negative health outcomes, but are also an attack on the-nearly 1 in 4 Americans who rely on the program.
Medicaid provides affordable, quality health insurance to America’s most vulnerable and underserved populations — those who are low-income, minorities, rural, elderly, and living with disabilities or substance use disorders. It helps Americans stay healthy, care for their families, go to work, and pay their bills.
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans are covered by Medicaid. More than 80 million Americans enrolled in the program.
Whether in urban or rural America, Medicaid is vital. Medicaid rates are generally higher in rural areas, but it is also essential in urban communities. About one in five Americans live in rural areas, and one in six rural adults under 65 is enrolled in Medicaid.
Kids rely on Medicaid. Nearly 50 percent of Medicaid/CHIP recipients are children.
Medicaid is essential to pregnant women. 43% of births in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid.
Medicaid significantly reduces poverty. Access to health insurance, including Medicaid, directly contributed to reducing poverty by nearly one quarter.
Most Medicaid enrollees get their care through managed care plans. Across the country, 69% of Medicaid members enrolled in managed care plans.
For all of these reasons and more, Americans for Healthcare Access Now is committed to protecting and strengthening Medicaid and consumer access.