Medicaid Policy Briefing

Medicaid Working Group

Researchers Weigh In on Medicaid Policy and the Future of U.S. Health Care

On July 1st, as the federal budget bill neared passage in Congress, the Scholars Strategy Network convened a virtual briefing on the state and future of Medicaid in the United States. This timely discussion featured insights from four members of SSN's Medicaid working group, who brought their academic expertise and practical policy insight to one of the most critical components of the U.S. healthcare system. The briefing was designed for legislators and their staff, journalists, civic organizations, and advocates, focusing on key provisions in Congress’ reconciliation package as well as on-the-ground realities of implementation. 

Below are recordings of the presentations from the four academic speakers.

Historical Perspective of Medicaid Policy in the United States

Nicole Huberfeld (Boston University) provides historical context to improve historical literacy about the Affordable Care Act, going into why the ACA was enacted and its purpose, and Medicaid's role within the ACA.

Provider Taxes, Impacts on States and Rural Hospitals

Michael Shepherd (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) discusses the economic impact of the Medicaid provisions of the Trump Administration's reconciliation package and examines the effect of Medicaid on working people.

Administrative Barriers and Work Requirement Implementation

Miranda Yaver (University of Pittsburgh) explores how Medicaid cuts manifest and have their effects, focusing on the ways Medicaid work requirements cost coverage losses through a concept called administrative burden.

Medicaid Expansion: A Bipartisan Tool to Address the Overdose Epidemic

Harold Pollack (University of Chicago) touches on the health effects of Medicaid policy changes, exploring the role Medicaid plays in fighting the overdose epidemic and dealing with addiction.