In a previous commentary, we examined the impact of Covid-19 on enrollment in Medicaid, the joint federal-state health insurance program for eligible individuals with limited income and resources. Historically, Medicaid enrollment increases during periods of economic hardship. Weak economic conditions produce more unemployment, more people without work-related health insurance, more people in lower income households, and more people who are eligible for health insurance coverage through the Medicaid program. Conversely, enrollment tends to drop off or decline when the economy is robust and expanding.
As in previous economic downturns, the Covid-19 induced recession has sparked a jump in Medicaid enrollment. Moreover, agencies that manage the Medicaid program in each state now forecast still more enrollment growth in the months ahead. Every region of the U.S. has experienced a jump in its Medicaid enrollment numbers since the Covid-19 pandemic began. In the MidEast region, Covid-19's impact on Medicaid enrollment has been less severe than in other sections of the country. That said, after several years of stagnant enrollment numbers, in the first half of 2020 Medicaid enrollment in the region grew 5.8%, as compared to 6.5% nationally. Here's a quick look at Medicaid enrollment growth at the state and regional level in the MidEast region during the first half of 2020:
 |
| Covid-19's Impact on Medicaid Enrollment in the MidEast Region |
| Medicaid Enrollment (in 000s) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | July 1, 2020 | Jan 1, 2020 | Growth | ||
| DE | 230.7 | 219.0 | 5.3% | ||
| DC | 232.9 | 235.4 | -1.1% | ||
| MD | 1,245.0 | 1,188.2 | 4.8% | ||
| NJ | 1,548.5 | 1,474.0 | 5.1% | ||
| NY | 5,750.8 | 5,397.6 | 6.5% | ||
| PA | 2,914.5 | 2,755.4 | 5.8% | ||
| ME Only | 11,922.3 | 11,269.6 | 5.8% | ||
| National | 68,826.6 | 64,621.4 | 6.5% | ||
Source: Medicaid.gov Enrollment Reports.
