CMS: Nearly 16.2 million enroll in Medicaid/CHIP since October 2013

Nearly 16.2 million people enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program between Oct. 1, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2016, increasing total enrollment in the programs by more than 28% since the start of the first open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, according to a report released today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The preliminary estimate is based on 49 states reporting both December enrollment data and baseline data from July through September 2013. Nearly 74.2 million people were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in those states as of Dec. 31, 2016, with Medicaid expansion states showing a 37% increase and non-expansion states showing a 13% increase. The Health Insurance Marketplace concluded its fourth open enrollment period 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.