Ohio Medicaid expansion enrollees

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which former Medicaid expansion enrollees transition to other forms of health insurance coverage, and whether loss of Medicaid is associated with greater difficulties accessing health care. Findings from a 2018 survey of current and former enrollees in Ohio’s Medicaid expansion program revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents no longer covered by Medicaid had transitioned to another form of insurance coverage. The most prevalent reason for not having coverage among the remaining one-third was affordability. Former Medicaid enrollees that obtained other sources of coverage also reported greater difficulties accessing health care services than their counterparts remaining on Medicaid. The prevailing explanation as to the cause of experiencing difficulties in accessing health care was the expense. These findings demonstrate that for former Medicaid enrollees, perceived high costs are a significant barrier to obtaining non-Medicaid coverage and accessing health care services.