What to Know About Medicaid: Who Is Covered, and What Happens If the Budget Is Slashed?

"Medicaid covers 73 million adults and children, about 1 in 5 Americans, and costs more than $600 billion annually, making it a target for budget cuts."

"The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid eligibility significantly, adding approximately 20 million people and allowing many working-age adults to qualify based on income."

"With a budget resolution calling for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, Medicaid is likely to face reductions as it's one of the largest federal spending sources."

"Though Medicaid primarily helps low-income individuals, some middle-class disabled, pregnant, and older adults also qualify, sharing costs between states and the federal government."

Medicaid, a crucial government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families in the U.S., celebrates its 60th anniversary, currently covering around 73 million people, approximately 1 in 5 Americans. Given its substantial yearly cost of over $600 billion, it's often considered a target for budget cuts, especially amidst discussions about reducing federal spending by up to $2 trillion. While Medicaid serves mostly the poor, it also includes qualifying middle-class disabled and older adults. The Affordable Care Act expanded eligibility significantly, adding roughly 20 million enrolled individuals, primarily targeting working-age adults.

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