Reduced Medicaid Access Could Lead to Increased Mortality and Financial Hardship, New Analysis Warns

A comprehensive study indicates that decreasing access to Medicaid, the vital health insurance program for millions of Americans, could have severe health and economic consequences. The research, conducted by experts from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Boston University, and the University of Amsterdam, highlights that potential cutbacks in Medicaid coverage could result in thousands of additional deaths annually among working-age adults. It also warns of significant financial burdens on individuals, with over 600,000 Americans potentially facing catastrophic healthcare costs that exceed 30% of their household income.

Medicaid, a joint federal and state initiative, provides crucial health services to those unable to access private insurance, including many with jobs and their families. It covers a substantial portion of births in the U.S. and supports rural and underserved communities. Although the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid in many states, making health coverage more accessible, the Supreme Court allowed states to opt-out of expansion. Currently, 40 states and D.C. participate.

The new analysis extrapolates from previous findings to project that a reduction of 15.5 million covered lives could lead to approximately 14,660 additional deaths per year among adults aged 25 to 64. Rural and low-income populations could be disproportionately affected by such coverage reductions. Moreover, the study emphasizes that losing Medicaid coverage could cause millions to delay or forego necessary medical care, worsening health outcomes and increasing long-term healthcare costs.

Furthermore, cutbacks could jeopardize hospital services, especially in rural areas where Medicaid funding is essential for viability. The authors stress that health coverage and preventive care not only save lives but are also cost-effective strategies that benefit society at large. The study underscores the importance of maintaining or expanding Medicaid to ensure public health and economic stability.

For more detailed information, the full study is published in The Lancet: [DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00761-5].

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-analysis-reductions-medicaid-access-result.html