April is Medicaid Awareness Month and there has never been a more critical time to highlight the care Medicaid provides to children and families. Across the nation and all month-long activists and advocates are highlighting the essential program for more than 70 million Americans.
36 million children are covered by Medicaid, that’s 38% of children in America. Medicaid is a central source of coverage for new mothers as it covers 49% of births. 17% of parents have health insurance through Medicaid, helping to keep parents healthy. 7.2 million seniors receive coverage thought Medicaid. Additionally, the Medicaid program is a crucial part of our response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Medicaid is Important Because:
- Medicaid’s funding increases response to public health emergencies like the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Medicaid allows eligible people to enroll in health insurance whenever they need – unlike private insurance with specific enrollment periods. Offsite enrollment also is provided at hospitals and clinics.
- Medicaid provides retroactive coverage and eligibility which can begin three months prior to application date.
Providing American children and families access to Medicaid and ongoing advocacy for the program’s expansion will help continue benefits for so many in need. Learn more about Medicaid here.
If you are in need of health insurance or want more information on lowering your healthcare costs visit, www.healthcare.gov. Open enrollment is available until August 15!
