​Despite a nationwide rise in mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, adults in Medicaid expansion states experienced a slower increase in deaths than non-expansion states, according to a study led by ACS researchers. These findings suggest a protective effect of Medicaid expansion on population health in the United States during the public health emergency. The findings are published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH). 

“This research is important because many people experienced employment disruptions during the pandemic, which, in addition to loss of household income, also led to loss of employment-based health insurance coverage,” said Dr. Xuesong Han, scientific director, health services research, and lead author of the study. “Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act could improve access to care and reduce health disparities during the public health emergency.”

“With 10 states having yet to expand Medicaid eligibility, our findings add to the growing body of evidence for the benefits of Medicaid expansion,” Dr. Han added. “Additionally, findings highlight the importance of maintaining support for existing Medicaid coverage in 40 states and the District of Columbia. These data also highlight the importance of monitoring lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to care and population health, especially as millions of people have lost coverage during post-pandemic Medicaid unwinding throughout 2023-2024.”

“This study reinforces the well-established evidence that Medicaid expansion improves health outcomes and reduces health disparities,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Ensuring individuals have access to quality, affordable health insurance through Medicaid is critical to the fiscal and physical health of our country. With Medicaid on the federal chopping block, it’s imperative that Congress recognize the indisputable value of this health insurance program and protect it from any form of cuts.”

Other ACS researchers contributing to this study include Kewei Sylvia Shi, Dr. Qinjin Fan, Dr. Parichoy Pal Choudhury, Dr. Xin Hu, and senior author Dr. Robin Yabroff.

Like and share this news on X.​