About the Medicaid Research Center

Medicaid is the largest health insurance program by enrollment in the US and the largest safety net program by expenditures and population served. Medicaid covers more than 80 million (one-quarter of the US population) and accounts for more than $670 billion in health spending.  Medicaid insures many people from underserved racial and ethnic minority groups. Medicaid also has an important role financing care, including long-term services and supports, for older adults and people with physical, intellectual, and mental health disabilities. Medicaid has improved access to care and reduced health insurance disparities by race, ethnicity, and social class. Medicaid enrollment increased considerably following the Affordable Care Act and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health reforms at the state and federal levels are driving significant changes in the Medicaid program, and the need for research to inform policymaking has never been greater. 

The Medicaid Research Center provides analytical support in monitoring and evaluating changes in health insurance coverage; access to care; program efficiency and effectiveness; and the quality of health care delivery in the Medicaid program.