On June 1, the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) released the sixth edition of its annual “Missouri Medicaid Basics” report.  The report examines the current state of Missouri’s Medicaid program and projects how it will change under the national health care reform law.  MFH estimates the reform law will expand Missouri’s Medicaid rolls by 250,000 individuals.

From the report: 

The Medicaid program, enacted through Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act in 1965 at the same time as Medicare, exists as the largest of the federal-state partnerships for low-income people. Nationally, Medicaid currently provides public health insurance coverage to approximately 60 million low-income Americans, including working families, seniors, and individuals with diverse physical and mental disabilities. The federal government offers matching funds to states to support the financing of Medicaid.

Each state administers its own Medicaid program. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) monitors state-run programs and establishes requirements for service delivery and quality, funding, and eligibility standards. State participation is voluntary, and all states have participated since 1982. Missouri’s participation in Medicaid (called MO HealthNet in Missouri) began in 1967.

Full report: Missouri Medicaid Basics: Spring 2010 (PDF | 1.15 KB) 

Missouri Foundation for Health. (2010). Missouri Medicaid basics: Spring 2010.