CMS: 12.8 million enroll in Medicaid/CHIP since October 2013

About 12.8 million people enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program between Oct. 1, 2013 and May 31, 2015, increasing total enrollment in the programs by 22% since the start of the first open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, according to a report released yesterday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The preliminary estimate is based on 49 states and the District of Columbia reporting both May enrollment data and baseline data from July through September 2013. More than 71.6 million people were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in those states as of May 31, with Medicaid expansion states showing a 29.2% increase and non-expansion states showing a 9.5% increase. The second open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace ended Feb. 15. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment continues year round.