Medicaid
Delivering high-quality Medicaid coverage and services
Get updates on our public policy perspectives
Medicaid gives millions of Americans access to the front door of the health care system. It helps keep them healthy and provides for those with acute and chronic care needs.
Kaiser Permanente’s participation in Medicaid is core to our mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.
Caring for 1.5 million people who are insured through Medicaid is core to Kaiser Permanente’s mission, and we take a population health approach to managing their care.
We support our members’ physical, mental, and social health by proactively identifying their needs and risks. Through early and ongoing intervention, we help our Medicaid members stay healthier. That is how we’re also addressing the broader chronic disease epidemic.
Medicaid is a foundation of America’s health care system
For over 60 years, Medicaid has provided coverage and access to care for children and families with low incomes and people with disabilities.
Medicaid covers:
- Prenatal care
- Primary care
- Preventive care
- Hospital services
- Mental health care
Medicaid helps pay for long-term care in homes and in nursing homes in the community. It supports older adults and people with disabilities who need more help.
Medicaid also helps community health centers, hospitals, and rural hospitals. In many places, it helps keep local care available.
50%
of children in the U.S. receive health coverage and care through Medicaid1
11 million
Americans under the age of 65 who have disabilities rely on Medicaid for their treatment and care2
16 million
adults and children in rural communities rely on Medicaid3
Kaiser Permanente supports a strong Medicaid program
Kaiser Permanente urges policymakers to protect access to Medicaid and support policies that help people stay covered and connected to care.
We encourage policymakers to focus on 4 priorities:
- Protect coverage for adults with low incomes
Policymakers should keep Medicaid expansion coverage for adults with low incomes. This helps people get care. It also supports the financial stability of community health centers and hospitals. - Make it easier for people to stay enrolled
Federal and state leaders should make Medicaid renewal rules simple. Clear rules and easy steps can help people keep coverage and avoid gaps in care. - Support the full range of needs that affect health
Medicaid works best when people can also get help with basic needs. These needs include housing, food, school, job training, child care, transportation, mental health care, and substance use care. - Strengthen value-based, integrated care
Policymakers should support Medicaid payment approaches that reward better outcomes, coordinated care, and high-value care.
Together, these steps can help protect Medicaid coverage, improve care, and support healthier communities.
1 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2026
2 KFF, 2025
3 American Hospital Association, 2026
