The Basics
Medicaid is a public health insurance program, funded jointly by the federal government and states. It helps eligible people with limited income and resources access the care they need. Because each state runs its own program within federal rules, eligibility and benefits are different depending on where a patient lives.
Medicaid and CHIP by the Numbers
0M
people enrolled inMedicaid and CHIP
0M
enrolled in Medicaid0M
children enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP0%
of enrolleesare children
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(opens in new tab) (May 2026)
Who Medicaid Covers
Medicaid covers a wide range of people, including children, pregnant women, parents and caregivers, seniors, people with disabilities and adults with limited income.
As of 2026, nearly 74 million people(opens in new tab) rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Nearly half are children, and together older adults and people with disabilities account for roughly one in five enrollees. Many adults covered by Medicaid live in working households, often in jobs that don't offer affordable coverage.
What Medicaid Covers
Medicaid helps cover the everyday care people count on: preventive and primary care, hospital and emergency care, maternity care, prescriptions and behavioral health. It is also the nation's largest payer for long-term and nursing-home care, and it covers home- and community-based services that help people stay independent.
Why Coverage Matters
When people have access to coverage, they are more likely to seek preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and follow up after a hospital stay. When coverage is lost, people delay care and often show up later and sicker, and the hospitals and clinics that serve them feel the strain. Medicaid helps people get and stay healthy, strengthens communities and keeps care accessible.
Know the Difference: Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare
Here’s how Medicaid differs from other government-run programs
| A joint federal-and-state program that provides coverage for eligible people with limited income and resources. | A state-administered program that provides coverage for eligible children whose families may not qualify for Medicaid but need affordable coverage. | A federal health insurance program for people ages 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities or qualifying conditions. | When a person qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid. |
Program descriptions are based on information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Medicaid.gov.
Medicaid In Your State
Select your state to learn more about the Medicaid enrollees in your state and how HCA Healthcare serves them every day.
| Alaska | 282,300 | 35% | 53% | 6% | 6% |
1,712
23% of admissions |
14,690
35% of ER visits |
| California | 16,997,800 | 26% | 57% | 11% | 6% |
14,453
22% of admissions |
102,715
38% of ER visits |
| Colorado | 1,914,500 | 33% | 55% | 7% | 6% |
18,919
21% of admissions |
122,913
37% of ER visits |
| Florida | 6,278,200 | 8% | 30% | 14% | 48% * |
70,789
11% of admissions |
629,513
21% of ER visits |
| Georgia | 2,874,300 | 51% | 25% | 11% | 12% |
14,008
18% of admissions |
90,527
25% of ER visits |
| Idaho | 503,400 | 37% | 44% | 8% | 11% |
3,621
24% of admissions |
20,848
33% of ER visits |
| Indiana | 2,358,800 | 36% | 49% | 8% | 7% |
1,014
27% of admissions |
7,658
40% of ER visits |
| Kansas | 532,300 | 52% | 23% | 10% | 15% |
8,482
14% of admissions |
55,439
24% of ER visits |
| Kentucky | 1,789,000 | 31% | 50% | 7% | 11% |
2,170
20% of admissions |
28,175
37% of ER visits |
| Louisiana | 2,031,400 | 32% | 47% | 9% | 11% |
4,527
30% of admissions |
29,879
47% of ER visits |
| Missouri | 1,671,700 | 43% | 38% | 8% | 11% |
8,090
18% of admissions |
62,528
30% of ER visits |
| Nevada | 1,028,100 | 35% | 51% | 8% | 6% |
28,338
30% of admissions |
160,597
41% of ER visits |
| New Hampshire | 275,600 | 33% | 49% | 8% | 10% |
3,367
12% of admissions |
26,063
20% of ER visits |
| North Carolina | 3,024,000 | 38% | 40% | 9% | 12% |
13,349
21% of admissions |
63,138
29% of ER visits |
| South Carolina | 1,627,500 | 42% | 40% | 8% | 11% |
7,746
13% of admissions |
78,112
22% of ER visits |
| Tennessee | 1,953,400 | 45% | 29% | 9% | 17% |
17,109
14% of admissions |
150,716
25% of ER visits |
| Texas | 7,186,300 | 57% | 25% | 9% | 10% |
89,130
13% of admissions |
562,458
20% of ER visits |
| Utah | 588,400 | 43% | 43% | 5% | 9% |
5,745
14% of admissions |
38,118
19% of ER visits |
| Virginia | 2,236,900 | 33% | 51% | 8% | 8% |
27,177
22% of admissions |
200,795
33% of ER visits |
Sources: KFF – Medicaid Enrollees by Enrollment Group (2023), CMS/Medicaid.gov enrollment highlights (April 2026), Internal HCA Healthcare Data (2025).
Common Questions
Learn more about government-run programs and get your questions answered.
Talking Points
Review quick-reference language to help you speak confidently and clearly about Medicaid.
- Medicaid is coverage for people we all know — children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families.
- As of 2026, nearly 74 million people nationwide rely on Medicaid and CHIP. About half are children.
- Medicaid benefits and eligibility vary by state, because states run their own programs within federal rules.
- Medicaid is the nation's largest payer for long-term and nursing-home care.
- Medicaid helps keep hospitals open and care close to home, especially in rural and safety-net communities.
- Understanding Medicaid helps HCA Healthcare colleagues have informed conversations about the patients and communities we serve.