Since 2020, we’ve seen thousands of changes to Medicaid programs nationwide. With so many moving parts, it can be challenging to keep up with how access to Medicaid is evolving both nationally and within your state. To help you navigate this complexity, we’ve consolidated the most important updates you need to know to ensure your clinic and patients stay informed and prepared.
2024 Updates
In 2024, Medicaid has undergone significant updates to better address public health needs. These changes focus on reducing maternal mortality, advancing health equity, improving healthcare access for immigrants, and supporting underserved communities. State Medicaid budgets have also been adjusted, with increased fee-for-service rates for primary care physicians and behavioral health providers, as well as new strategies to control prescription drug costs.
As of this publication, we are a little over halfway through the year and PointCare has made over 1982 changes impacting over 1500 programs nationwide. Here are a few highlights:
Below you’ll find an outline of the ongoing updates and changes to Medicaid programs across the United States. This section provides a comprehensive review of new programs, program updates, and discontinued initiatives to ensure you stay informed on the latest developments.
2024 Medicaid Plan Updates
New Programs
Connecticut - State HUSKY B (New Program)
July 1, 2024
This update significantly broadened access to health insurance for children in Connecticut, especially for those who may not qualify for Medicaid but whose families cannot afford private insurance. There is no requirement with regard to immigration status, both documented and undocumented children, who fall within the income group are eligible to access health coverage under the state's CHIP program.
Who’s Covered:
Michigan - Medicaid
August 1, 2024
Michigan’s Medicaid expansion now covers children under 19 and pregnant women who are lawfully residing in the U.S., broadening healthcare access for legal immigrants.
Who’s Covered:
Washington Apple Health
July 1, 2024
Washington's Apple Health program expanded to provide Medicaid-like coverage for low-income undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients to address significant gaps in healthcare access for these populations.
Unlike traditional Medicaid, which is federally funded, this program relies on state-based funding, which is capped. This means that while the program is designed to mimic Medicaid, its resources may be limited.
Who’s Covered:
Name Changes
New Mexico Centennial Care (Name change to “Turquoise Care”)
July 1, 2024
New Mexico's rebranded 'Turquoise Care' remains committed to providing Medicaid services to young children with continuous enrollment.
Portal Updates
California Children's Presumptive Eligibility (CPE)
July 1, 2024
The state of California updated their Tenant Portal to integrate the Children's Presumptive Eligibility (CPE) program. This is aimed to simplify and improve access to coverage for children.
New Programs On the Horizon
Review new Medicaid coverage options set to launch in your state starting in 2025.
Colorado “Children’s Basic Health Plan” (New program)
January 1, 2025
Colorado's new "Children's Basic Health Plan" will offer presumptive Medicaid eligibility to low-income children, ensuring they receive timely healthcare without barriers related to immigration status.
Who’s Covered:
Health First Colorado
January 1, 2025
Next year, Colorado will expand their Medicaid program to ensure pregnant women can receive immediate access to care via presumptive eligibility without immigration status verification.
Who’s Covered:
KanCare Medicaid Expansion
January 1, 2025*
In 2025, Kansas will expand KanCare to extend Medicaid coverage to low-income adults in an effort to fill gaps in healthcare access.
Who’s Covered:
*Estimated launch date
MinnesotaCare
January 1, 2025
Minnesota will broaden coverage to include all ages to ensure more residents, regardless of their immigration status, can access healthcare.
Who’s Covered:
Previous Program Updates
Key changes and updates to Medicaid plans from 2023- Spring 2024 that might impact your patient population.
Name Changes
Virginia Medicaid (Name Change)
July 1, 2023 - “Cardinal Care” - (Transition started January 1, 2023)
Virginia rebranded its Medicaid program to create a more cohesive and recognizable healthcare program for state residents.
New Programs
California Medi-Cal
January 1, 2024
In January 2024, Medi-Cal was expanded to include adults ages 26-49 regardless of immigration status. This made healthcare more accessible to a larger percentage of the state population.
Who's Covered:
Colorado OmniSalud Program - Individual Plans (New program)
Open Enrollment (January 1, 2023)
Colorado’s OmniSalud program provides affordable health insurance options for low- to moderate-income individuals, with no immigration status requirements.
Who’s Covered:
Connecticut - State HUSKY A (New Program)
January 1, 2023
The program expanded in 2023 to include younger children and barriers related to immigration status.
Who’s Covered:
Connecticut - State HUSKY B (New Program)
January 1, 2023
Additional coverage for Connecticut children to include those in a higher income bracket.
Who’s Covered:
Connecticut Husky A
April 1, 2023
Provided extended prenatal and postpartum care to a larger number of pregnant women to ensure continuous health coverage.
Who’s Covered:
Cover All DC - Private Plan
April 2023
Cover All DC offers a private insurance option for residents who do not qualify for Medicaid but still need healthcare coverage, with no immigration restrictions.
Who’s Covered:
Georgia Pathways to Coverage
July 1, 2023
This Georgia program offers Medicaid coverage to low-income adults who meet specific work or volunteer criteria.
Who’s Covered:
Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) [county-based]
Maryland’s MCHP expansion in Prince George’s County granted more children access to healthcare, regardless of their immigration status.
Who’s Covered:
Maryland Medicaid [county-based]
This county-based program focuses on providing healthcare access to Montgomery County residents.
Who’s Covered:
Massachusetts Health Standard
January 1, 2023
Massachusetts now provides extended prenatal and postpartum care to more pregnant women, ensuring continuous health coverage without immigration barriers.
Who’s Covered:
New York Medicaid
January 1, 2023
New York expanded Medicaid coverage ages to include more seniors who have access to healthcare, regardless of immigration status. The program includes resources for elder care and long-term support.
Who’s Covered:
New York Medicaid
March 1, 2023
New York’s Medicaid expansion provides extended care for pregnant women, with a focus on continuous coverage postpartum. This provides prenatal care and 12 months of postpartum care.
Who’s Covered:
Oregon Health Plan
January 1, 2023
The Oregon Health Plan now offers continuous Medicaid coverage for children aged 0-6, and two years of continuous coverage for children aged 6-18, regardless of changes in eligibility status. These changes are designed to provide stability and ensure that children in Oregon have uninterrupted access to healthcare services, reducing the administrative burden of frequent re-enrollment.
Who’s Covered:
NC Health Works - Medicaid Expansion - NEW Program
December 1, 2023
North Carolina expanded coverage to low-income adults who previously may not have qualified for Medicaid. By expanding eligibility, the state aims to reduce the uninsured rate and improve health outcomes among its residents.
Who’s Covered:
South Dakota Medicaid Expansion
July 1, 2023
South Dakota expanded the state's Medicaid eligibility criteria to provide more low-income adults access to healthcare. The goal of this expansion is to reduce the uninsured rate and improve health outcomes for residents.
Who’s Covered:
Discontinued Programs
California COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program (UIG):
Ended May 31, 2023
Maine COVID-19 Testing Program
Ended May 11, 2023
New Hampshire - COVID-19 Testing Benefit Program
Ended May 11, 2023
New Mexico - Presumptive Eligibility (PE) COVID-19 Program
Ended May 11, 2023
North Carolina Health Choice
Closed April 1, 2023 (merged into Medicaid)
Oregon - Presumptive Eligibility (PE) COVID-19 Program
Ended May 11, 2023
Utah COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program
Ended May 11, 2023
https://medicaid.utah.gov/covid-19-uninsured-coverage/