Several States See Higher Eligibility, Enrollment in Medicaid Than in Private Insurance Plans

Several states -- particularly those that are running their own health insurance exchanges -- are seeing higher eligibility and enrollment rates in Medicaid than in private health plans. Many exchange applicants are low-income, Medicaid-eligible individuals who are not required to pay anything up front. Those who enroll in private plans through the exchanges must pay up front or by a Dec. 15 deadline for coverage to take effect on Jan. 1.

• "In Some States, Most Early Marketplace Enrollees Qualify For Medicaid" (Galewitz, "Capsules," Kaiser Health News, 10/22).