CMS updates Medicaid/CHIP, Marketplace enrollment estimates

More than 16.4 million people enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program between Oct. 1, 2013 and Nov. 30, 2016, increasing total enrollment in the programs by 29% 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 reporting both November enrollment data and baseline data from July through September 2013. More than 74.4 million people were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in those states as of Nov. 30, 2016, with Medicaid expansion states showing a 37% increase and non-expansion states showing a 13% increase. The Health Insurance Marketplace launched its fourth open enrollment period Nov. 1, which runs through Jan. 31. Individuals can apply for Medicaid and CHIP through the Marketplace or their state’s Medicaid/CHIP agency. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment continues year round.