What Is Medicaid Expansion?

Medicaid expansion is a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that gives states the option to broaden Medicaid eligibility to cover more low-income adults. Each state determines whether to expand Medicaid based on its own policies, budget considerations, and healthcare priorities.

How does Medicaid expansion affect eligibility?

• Expands coverage to more low-income adults, including those without children.
• Uses income-based eligibility rather than specific categories like disability or pregnancy.
• Coverage details, including benefits and cost-sharing, vary by state.

How does Medicaid expansion impact healthcare access?

• In states that adopted expansion, more people qualify for low-cost or free healthcare.
• Expansion may cover preventive services, hospital care, and medications.
• In states without expansion, Medicaid eligibility remains more restricted to specific groups.

How Solace can help

If you’re unsure about Medicaid eligibility in your state, a Solace advocate can help you understand your options, apply for benefits, and navigate coverage choices.

What to do next

Need help exploring Medicaid coverage? A Solace advocate can assist you. Find an advocate today.