Young adults have seen major gains in health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Since 2009, their rate of uninsurance has dropped 50 percent. But coverage gaps still exist, especially for low-income young adults, in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid. It’s critical that the remaining states take up expansion.
Since 1965, Medicaid has proved affordable access to health care for children, workers, seniors, and persons with disabilities through a shared state-federal funding arrangement that guarantees a minimum package of health benefits to all who qualify. It provides low-income people comprehensive health coverage that prevents illness, promotes children’s development, and supports employment. That’s why CLASP works to protect and build on historic gains in Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act—fighting back against federal efforts to repeal and block grant Medicaid and pressing states to expand their programs. We also provide research and data that prove Medicaid works as well as partner with state officials and advocates to ensure their systems are effectively serving low-income people.