Fact Check: "Medicaid provides coverage to over 71 million low-income Americans."
What We Know
As of March 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that approximately 71,258,215 individuals were enrolled in Medicaid across the United States, including the District of Columbia (March 2025 Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights). This figure reflects the total number of people receiving comprehensive Medicaid benefits, excluding those with limited coverage options. Additionally, the total enrollment in both Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reached 78,577,962 during the same period, with CHIP accounting for 7,319,747 enrollees (March 2025 Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights).
The claim that Medicaid covers over 71 million Americans is supported by multiple sources. For instance, Drew Altman from the Kaiser Family Foundation noted that the 71 million figure is derived from CMS administrative data, which is considered reliable as it is based on state-reported data rather than self-reported survey data (The Mystery of How Many People Are on Medicaid). This number does not include individuals enrolled in CHIP, which is a separate program designed to provide health coverage for children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.
Analysis
The claim that "Medicaid provides coverage to over 71 million low-income Americans" is accurate based on the most recent data from CMS, which confirms that over 71 million individuals are enrolled in Medicaid (March 2025 Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights). However, it is essential to note that this figure does not encompass the entire scope of individuals who may benefit from Medicaid-related services, as it excludes those with partial coverage or those enrolled in CHIP.
Altman also highlights that while the 71 million figure is the most commonly cited, there are estimates that suggest the total number of individuals connected to Medicaid could be higher, reaching 83 million when considering those with partial benefits (The Mystery of How Many People Are on Medicaid). This discrepancy arises from the inclusion of individuals who receive limited Medicaid services, such as family planning, which are not counted in the primary enrollment figures.
The reliability of the sources used to substantiate the claim is high, as they are derived from official government data and reputable health policy analyses. The CMS data is regularly updated and reflects the most accurate enrollment figures available, while the Kaiser Family Foundation is a well-respected organization in health policy research.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "Medicaid provides coverage to over 71 million low-income Americans" is substantiated by credible data from CMS, which reported 71,258,215 individuals enrolled in Medicaid as of March 2025. While there are broader estimates that include partial coverage, the specific claim regarding full Medicaid enrollment is accurate and supported by reliable sources.
