Healthcare DIVE November 18, 2025
Emily Olsen

Total spending in the safety-net insurance program is expected to grow 7.9% in fiscal year 2026, according to the survey.

Dive Brief:

  • Medicaid enrollment declined this year as states ended pandemic-era continuous enrollment policies, but spending rose — and looming cuts to the safety-net insurance program means more cost pressures are on the horizon, according to a report published Thursday by KFF.
  • Enrollment fell 7.6% in fiscal year 2025, and it’s expected to be largely flat in fiscal year 2026, according to the survey of state Medicaid directors. Meanwhile, total spending grew by 8.6% in 2025, and costs are projected to grow by 7.9% in 2026.
  • Provider rate hikes and greater health needs among beneficiaries alongside rising costs...

Today's Sponsors

Venturous
ZeOmega

Today's Sponsor

Venturous

 
Topics: Govt Agencies, Insurance, Medicaid, Patient / Consumer, States, Survey / Study, Trends
Medicaid and Upcoming State Budget Debates
The Future of Medi-Cal: Bold Ideas for the Next Decade
Medicaid: What to Watch in 2026
An Optimist’s Take on What's Next for Health Tech in Medicaid
Advancing Medicaid Primary Care Population-Based Payment Models: Four Lessons for States

Share Article