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 economically difficult periods. Weak economic periods produce more unemployment, more people without job-related health insurance, more people in lower household incomes, and more people with eligibility for health insurance coverage through the Medicaid program. Conversely, during strong economic periods Medicaid enrollment tends to drop off or decline.
As in previous economic downturns, the Covid-19 induced recession has sparked an increase 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 growth in its Medicaid enrollment numbers since the Covid-19 pandemic began. In the New England states, 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 5.6%, as compared to 6.5% nationally. Here's a summary look at the Covid-19 outbreak and Medicaid enrollment growth in New England during the first half of 2020:
 |
| The Covid-19 Outbreak and Medicaid Enrollment in New England |
| Medicaid Enrollment (in 000s) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | July 1, 2020 | Jan 1, 2020 | Growth | ||
| CT | 865.5 | 826.7 | 4.7% | ||
| MA | 1,440.1 | 1,370.6 | 5.1% | ||
| ME | 222.5 | 209.7 | 6.1% | ||
| NH | 181.7 | 166.4 | 9.2% | ||
| RI | 279.2 | 259.9 | 7.4% | ||
| VT | 158.3 | 146.2 | 8.3% | ||
| NE Only | 3,147.4 | 2,979.5 | 5.6% | ||
| National | 68,826.6 | 64,621.4 | 6.5% | ||
Source: Medicaid.gov Enrollment Reports.
