Ending the Public Health Emergency and People Enrolled in Medicaid: What Is at Stake?

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation—the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated solely to health—will host a virtual, nonpartisan educational session on the impacts of terminating the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) for Medicaid enrollees.

Medicaid enrollment has risen to unprecedented levels since the pandemic began, largely due to a federal requirement preventing state Medicaid agencies from ending people’s health coverage during the federal PHE. The PHE, which Congress extended on April 12th, is currently set to expire in July. Once the PHE expires, nearly 16 million people could lose Medicaid coverage, something that would disproportionately affect people of color, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals.

The discussion will cover the implications of ending the PHE for the Medicaid program, both at the federal and state levels, and how beneficiaries could be affected. Speakers will discuss challenges facing state Medicaid agencies, how federal policymakers can minimize coverage losses, and what it all means for constituents.

Speakers include:

Patricia Boozang, MPH – technical assistance advisor for State Health and Value Strategies; senior managing director, Manatt

Tricia Brooks, MBA – research professor, Georgetown University, Center for Children and Families

Tara Oakman, MPP, PhD – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xTfDt7eRT0qcFKhDyamMxw