Report Finds that Following PHE Unwinding, 1-in-8 Lose Medicaid Coverage and Half Remained Uninsured

A new study "Coverage and Access Changes During Medicaid Unwinding," conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and published in the JAMA Health Forum, explores the impacts of Medicaid disenrollment following the rollback of COVID-19 pandemic protections. The researchers conducted a survey across four Southern states—Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas—targeting adults aged 19 to 64 with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty line. They aimed to assess the extent of coverage loss and its consequences on access to healthcare.

Key findings reveal that six months into the Medicaid unwinding process, approximately 12.5% of Medicaid beneficiaries reported losing their coverage. This rate varied significantly by state, with Arkansas and Texas experiencing the highest disenrollment rates at 16% and 15%, respectively, while Louisiana and Kentucky saw lower rates at 8% and 7%​. Of those who lost coverage, about 52% managed to secure alternative insurance, but many experienced gaps in their coverage. The remaining 48% became uninsured.

The study also highlighted the increased challenges faced by those who lost Medicaid. Disenrolled individuals reported higher instances of cost-related delays in care, skipped medications, and unaffordable healthcare. Specifically, 51% of disenrolled adults delayed care due to costs, compared to 27% of those who remained insured. Similarly, 45% of those without Medicaid skipped doses of medication due to costs, compared to 27% of continuously insured respondents​.

These findings underscore the need for policies to mitigate the negative impacts of Medicaid disenrollment. The researchers suggest that both state and federal policymakers should focus on ensuring continuity of coverage to prevent disruptions in healthcare access and the associated adverse outcomes​.