State Medicaid Reform
Oct. 2007
50 state chart on HIFA and 1115 Waivers
Medicaid, a federal-state partnership, finances health care services for poor people--mainly pregnant women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly. It is our nation's largest publicly funded health insurance program providing health and long-term care coverage to at least 52 million people in FY 2004. Medicaid plays a major role in our health care system, paying for nearly half of nursing home care and 19 percent of prescription drugs.
In the past five years, Medicaid enrollment grew when more people became eligible for the program because of the economic downturn and the reduction in employer sponsored insurance. At the same time, health care costs were rising--in fact Medicaid spending across the country grew faster than all other state programs. These and other factors forced every state to address Medicaid cost-containment.
As our economy recovers, state revenues are rebounding and Medicaid enrollment and rates of increases in spending are slowing. But health care costs, demographics, erosion of employer-sponsored health coverage and potential changes in federal Medicaid policy continue to put pressure on state Medicaid programs.
Policymakers, looking for long-term solutions, are evaluating the Medicaid programs in their states and debating reforms. This web site is designed to keep you informed on recent Medicaid reform in the states.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicaid Waivers and Demonstrations List
 Medicaid Home Page
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