Medicaid is a publicly financed program that provides health and long-term care coverage to low-income seniors, individuals with disabilities, children and some of their parents. Medicaid, established 40 years ago, plays a substantial role in Colorado's health care system by providing health and long-term care coverage to the state's most vulnerable populations.

In Colorado, Medicaid accounts for one-fifth of the state budget at $2.6 billion. Administered by the state according to federal guidelines, it is a complex program with specific eligibility criteria, services that are provided to various populations and a funding stream that has a significant impact on the state's economy. As federal policymakers look at ways to change the program in an effort to contain costs, it is important for Colorado decisionmakers to understand Medicaid and all its dimensions and implications.

CHI provides a primer on understanding Medicaid in general, as well as publications examining the effect of federal actions on Medicaid enrollees.
Publications
Impact of the Federal Deficit Reduction Act on Colorado Medicaid Enrollment: Findings from the Eligibility Technician survey
Impact of the Federal Deficit Reduction Act on Colorado Medicaid Enrollment: Findings from the Outreach and Enrollment Worker Survey
Meeting the Needs of Colorado's Dual Eligibles (November 2006) (430 KB pdf)
Colorado Medicaid: A Primer (2005) (1.17 MB pdf