The Center For Medicare And Medicaid Services (CMS) releases monthly data on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment. This data provides valuable insights into healthcare coverage across the United States. This article summarizes key findings from the October 2024 report.
October 2024 Enrollment Highlights from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in October 2024, a combined total of 79,308,002 individuals were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP across 50 states and the District of Columbia. This comprehensive figure breaks down as follows:
- Medicaid Enrollment: 72,058,701 people
- CHIP Enrollment: 7,249,301 children
Significantly, children constituted a substantial portion of total enrollment. 37,616,104 children were either enrolled in CHIP or were children enrolled in Medicaid. This represents 47.4% of the combined Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, highlighting the significant role these programs play in providing healthcare coverage for children.
Understanding the Data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) emphasizes that these figures represent a snapshot of enrollment on the last day of October 2024. They are not a measure of new enrollees during the month. The data includes only individuals eligible for comprehensive benefits, excluding those with limited coverage like emergency Medicaid or family planning-only services.
Key Definitions from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
-
Child Enrollment: This encompasses all children enrolled in separate CHIP programs and children enrolled in Medicaid. The definition of “child” varies by state according to individual state plans.
-
Total Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment: This represents the unduplicated count of individuals enrolled in either Medicaid or CHIP, ensuring no individual is counted twice.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also collects enrollment data through other channels, such as the Statistical Enrollment Data System (SEDS). Discrepancies may exist between these data sets due to methodological differences. For instance, SEDS annual CHIP enrollment figures reflect the total number of children ever enrolled throughout the year, rather than a monthly snapshot.
Conclusion: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provides Critical Data
The data released by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers a crucial perspective on healthcare coverage in the United States. The October 2024 figures demonstrate the continued importance of Medicaid and CHIP in ensuring access to healthcare, particularly for children. For more detailed information and state-specific breakdowns, consult the complete dataset and reports available on the CMS website.
