On July 6, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) released a report suggesting that when childless adults become eligible for Medicaid in 2014, they should receive the same or a comparable benefits package to the one that low-income parents and disabled adults currently receive.  The author argues that this coverage is necessary because childless adults have significant health needs that would be best addressed by a comprehensive package.  Additionally, the report asserts that doing so would be relatively easy for states because of the large share of Medicaid funding that the federal government will provide for individuals that become Medicaid eligible in 2014.

From the report: Given their greater health needs, uninsured childless adults would be best served by a comprehensive benefits package identical or comparable to the package that Medicaid offers to low-income parents and people who have disabilities. The federal government will pick up the vast majority of the costs of this Medicaid expansion — 100 percent for the first three years and 96  percent overall over the next ten years, so this should be viable for states.

Full report: Childless Adults Who Become Eligible for Medicaid in 2014 Should Receive Standard Benefits Package (PDF | 244.43 KB)

CBPP.  (2010).  Childless adults who become eligible for Medicaid in 2014 should receive standard benefits package.  Broaddus, M.