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Supporting and improving Medicaid

Medicaid is America’s largest source of health care coverage, with 74 million beneficiaries—about one in every five people—enrolled. Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies (BCBS) are breaking down the social and economic barriers that enrollees face by providing access to critical health services for millions of adults and children across the U.S.

BCBS companies provide coverage for 8.9 million people in 24 states and Puerto Rico through Medicaid and CHIP, addressing the unique and complex health challenges they face.

Medicaid beneficiaries have high rates of CHRONIC CONDITIONS and MENTAL HEALTH issues.

Source: American Journal of Preventative Medicine. “Prevalence and Medical Costs of Chronic Diseases Among Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries.” 2017.

Medicaid covers people with diverse medical needs, including more than 1.8 MILLION ELDERLY and DISABLED Americans in Medicaid Managed Care.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “The Growth of Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Programs: 2017 Update.” Jan 2018.

Medicaid supports mothers and children, financing roughly 43% OF ALL BIRTHS IN THE U.S.

Source: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commisssion. "Medicaid's Role in Financing Maternity." January 2020.

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Congress should protect Medicaid to protect health

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BCBS COMPANIES SUPPORT THREE STRATEGIES TO ENSURE CONTINUED FLEXIBILITY AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MEDICAID SO STATES CAN PROPERLY INVEST IN IMPROVEMENTS

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SUPPORT FLEXIBILITY

Give states the flexibility to tailor programs that meet the needs of their diverse population faster and more efficiently.

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PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY

Require states to be transparent and ensure adequacy of payments in Medicaid Managed Care.

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ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

Allow Medicaid to pay for programs that address social determinants through existing federal funding.

BCBS companies serve the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries through Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).

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