What if More States Expanded Medicaid in 2017?

Five million people would gain insurance if 19 states expanded Medicaid in 2017.

The Issue

If the 19 states that have not expanded Medicaid did so in 2017, up to 5 million fewer people would be uninsured with the largest drops coming in Texas, Georgia and Florida.

Key Findings

Groups that could see the largest uninsurance drops, if the states expand Medicaid:

• Adults without kids (3.6 million)
• White, non-Hispanics (2.4 million)
• People with only a high school education (2.2 million)
• Full-time workers (1.3 million)
  
• Hispanics (1.2 million) and Black, non-Hispanics (1.2. million)

Conclusion

Among the states that have not expanded Medicaid, Texas (1.3 million), Florida (876,000), and Georgia (529,000) stand to see the largest drops in the number of uninsured people if lawmakers expand Medicaid in 2017.

About the Urban Institute

The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and offered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly urbanizing world. Their objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector. Visit the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center for more information specific to its staff and its recent research.