{"id":355795,"date":"2018-06-26T12:43:46","date_gmt":"2018-06-26T17:43:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/state-medicaid-expansion.html"},"modified":"2026-08-24T15:49:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T20:49:00","slug":"state-medicaid-expansion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/state-medicaid-expansion.html","title":{"rendered":"State Medicaid Expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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State Medicaid Expansion<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Medicaid expansion under the ACA broadened eligibility so more low\u2011income adults, especially those in the coverage gap, could qualify for affordable health insurance. Although most states have adopted expansion, several continue to opt out despite federal incentives, including enhanced funding offered during the COVID\u201119 public health emergency.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Before the passage of the\u00a0Affordable Care Act of 2008\u00a0(ACA), health care in the U.S. was tenuous at best. Most people get health insurance through their employer. This leaves many people, especially adults with low income, without health insurance coverage. The ACA changed the health insurance landscape for low-income Americans by expanding Medicaid eligibility.<\/p>\n

This article overviews the Medicaid expansion<\/a> and the latest state acceptance or denial information. Because eligibility and expansion status vary by state, always confirm local rules and contact an attorney in your state<\/a> if you need help navigating enrollment or an appeal.<\/p>\n

What Is Medicaid?<\/h2>\n

Medicaid is a federally funded, state-administered health insurance program for low-income Americans. Eligibility for traditional Medicaid strictly focused on the following factors:<\/p>\n