State Medicaid Evolution Continues—As The Crisis Continues

The pandemic has caused many state Medicaid initiatives to grind to a halt. Not surprising. State workers are working remotely. State budgets are cut. Medicaid rolls are increasing as state budgets are on the decline. All of the options open to Medicaid directors are tough ones.

State budget shortfalls expected from the pandemic fallout will total a cumulative $555 billion over state fiscal years 2020 through 2022 (see States Continue to Face Large Shortfalls Due to COVID-19 Effects). In fact, the projected shortfall for fiscal year 2021, which began on July 1, 2020 for most states, is much deeper . . .