CMS: Medicaid/CHIP Enrollment up 16.4 Million Since October 2013

Nearly 16.4 million people enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program between Oct. 1, 2013 and Jan. 31, 2018, 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 January enrollment data and baseline data from July through September 2013. More than 72.9 million people were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in those states as of Jan. 31, with Medicaid expansion states showing a 38% increase and non-expansion states showing a 12% increase. The Health Insurance Marketplace concluded its fifth open enrollment period in mid-December. Individuals can apply for Medicaid and CHIP through the Marketplace or their state’s Medicaid/CHIP agency. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment continues year round.