The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its Medicaid Enrollment Report for April, 2014.  As of the end of April, 6 million more individuals were enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as compared to the period before the initial open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act started in October, 2013. That includes 1.1 million additional people enrolled in April as compared to March in the 48 states that reported data for both April and March.

According to a statement released by HHS, “Growth was more pronounced in states that adopted the Medicaid expansion: Enrollment in those states rose by 15.3 percent compared to the average enrollment from July through September 2013 while states that have not expanded reported only a 3.3 percent increase in enrollment during that same time period.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, coverage for newly eligible adult beneficiaries is fully paid for during the first three years by the Federal government.  The Federal contribution is reduced to 90 percent for the years following.  

While the open enrollment period has ended for the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplaces, consumers may apply for Medicaid and CHIP coverage year round. People are eligible for coverage at any time if they qualify.

The Medicaid Enrollment report is available here .