Many Americans who depend on Medicaid for healthcare do not realize their insurance is funded by Medicaid itself, as state programs are often given consumer-friendly names. This, combined with the fact that states predominantly utilize private insurers to manage Medicaid programs, creates confusion. As a result, beneficiaries may not recognize or appreciate the value of their coverage. Additionally, the system is complex and can confuse lawmakers, evidenced by misstatements from health officials. Currently, congressional Republicans plan to cut Medicaid funding amidst discussions of tax cuts.
We toss around terms like 'Medicaid,' but we see so many of our patients not having [insurance cards or] anything that describes or uses the word 'Medicaid,' said Dr. Adam Brown, a Washington, D.C.-based emergency physician. "People oftentimes do not realize either that they have it, or know the value of what it does."
About 72 million people, or about a fifth of all the people living in the United States, are enrolled in Medicaid. It operates with state and federal funding, but every state has the freedom to choose how to run its program, within federal rules.
Medicaid is a sprawling patchwork of programs that can confuse lawmakers and even top health officials, not to mention the average beneficiary. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during his confirmation hearing, incorrectly described basic elements of Medicaid.
Congressional Republicans are considering proposals to slash hundreds of billions of dollars from federal Medicaid funding as they look to offset trillions in tax cuts proposed by President Donald Trump.
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