Study: Medicaid ‘churn’ bad for patients

{mosads}Advocates used the study Friday to advocate for a 12-month continuous enrollment period in Medicaid, saying the policy would provide needed consistency for patients.

“Everyone deserves coverage they can count on,” said Margaret A. Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP).

“If we were to guarantee 12 months’ enrollment to those who enroll in Medicaid and CHIP, vital health resources would be stabilized for vulnerable populations and safety-net hospitals, providers and health plans would receive relief from costly administrative burdens.”

The group cited a bill from Reps. Gene Green (D-Texas) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) to provide 12-month continuous enrollment in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. 

Friday’s report was commissioned by the ACAP and authored by Leighton Ku and Erika Steinmetz of George Washington University.