As the first wave of healthcare insurance enrollment ends as part of the Affordable Care Act, observers are quick to comment on the changes enacted by the law. In addition to millions who took advantage of insurance sold in private marketplace exchanges, there has also been a significant increase in Medicaid participants–both in New York and nationwide.
According to a New York Times report last week, across the country there are now over 62 million Americans receiving some Medicaid support. The increase is more targeted in states like New York that specifically took advantage of options in the Affordable Care Act that allow for expansion of the program.
Importantly, much of the discussion about healthcare exchanges and Medicaid expansion refer to general health insurance coverage–not necessarily care that includes long-term support for the elderly.