Short Term Options for Medicaid in a Recession

Recessions deliver a one-two punch to Medicaid by undercutting available public funds and increasing demand for services. This policy brief presents several options for strengthening Medicaid during these periods. Options outlined include: directing federal funding support; quickly reauthorizing SCHIP; simplifying enrollment; easing burdens imposed by the process of proving citizenship; and expanding coverage to those hit hardest by recession.