10 Ways Medicaid Affects Us All

October 5, 2017

Medicaid was created in 1965 as a program for the poor. Today, it helps 74 million people — more than 1 of every 5 people in the U.S. You or someone you know likely benefits.

Big School Booster

Medicaid paid for nearly $4 billion in school-based health care services in 2015.

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Dependent Children

Medicaid aimed, at its start, to insure healthy children and pregnant women. Children are still the largest demographic group served. How Medicaid coverage breaks down:

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Where The Money Goes

But a look at who benefits from Medicaid spending shows a different story.

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Sustaining Livelihoods

About 60 percent of non-disabled Medicaid adult enrollees have a job.

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Balance For Mental Health

Medicaid is the single-largest payer for mental health services in the U.S. and increasingly picks up the bill for substance abuse treatment.

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Academic Achievement

Many adults under age 65 receiving Medicaid are well-educated.

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Coverage Forecast

Most Medicaid enrollees churn in and out of the program every few years, depending on their circumstances. Odds are 1 in 4 you might need this safety net one day.

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