CMS: 10.8 million enroll in Medicaid/CHIP over 15 months

About 10.8 million people enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program between Oct. 1, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2014, increasing total enrollment in the programs by nearly 19%, according to a report released yesterday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The preliminary estimate is based on 48 states and the District of Columbia reporting both December enrollment data and baseline data from July through September 2013. A total of 68.6 million people were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in those states as of Dec. 31, with Medicaid expansion states showing a 27% increase and non-expansion states showing a 7% increase. More than 547,000 people enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in December. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment continues year round.