Research Symposium

BIO

Hello, I am a second-year economics and statistics double major, originally from Atlanta, Georgia. I am interested in the roles that governments can play in their economies, and I plan on doing research on this in the near future. After I graduate with my bachelor's degree, I plan on pursuing a master's degree in applied economics. When I am not thinking about economics, I am probably playing basketball or trying new food.

The Evolution of Medicaid Eligibility across the United States from 2017-2024

Abstract

This study analyzes state health insurance markets and the effects the 2012 Affordable Care Act had on these markets. The Affordable Care Act changed how states monitor health insurance providers and included a Medicaid expansion that states can opt into to provide more coverage for low-income individuals. Medicaid is health insurance provided by the government for low-income individuals, disabled individuals, or poor families. The study collects information from 2017 to 2024 on each state and their Federal Poverty Level (FPL) a citizen must achieve to qualify for single adult Medicaid, states’ rate review authority, and when the COVID Medicaid extension ended. Data was pulled from state health department websites as well as independent studies. This data was then compared across states. Results conclude that states that decided to opt-in to Medicaid expansion through the ACA saw large spikes of insured citizens. States that did not opt in still have large populations of uninsured citizens who do not have access to healthcare. Many states have also opted for stricter rate review authorities. Ultimately, the Affordable Care Act was successful in providing more affordable healthcare coverage to thousands of Americans despite its rocky start and implantation.

Keywords: Medicaid, Health Insurance, Regulation