MO JWJ & Partners release 2023 Strengthening Medicaid Report: Challenges States Must Address as the Public Health Emergency Ends

Christie Love, Founding Pastor of The Connecting Grounds and Missouri Jobs with Justice partner, said,

“The importance of expanded Missouri Medicaid to those living without stable shelter in our state cannot be stressed enough. It is critical that they have the ability to access the medical system through entry points other than our emergency rooms to keep our healthcare system balanced and to help individuals in poverty have stronger support systems to help them overcome barriers to employment, housing, and sobriety.” 

Some vital information that was collected: 

• 68.5 percent of survey respondents in Missouri were not aware that they will need to renew their coverage when the public health emergency ends, suggesting that many Medicaid recipients are at risk of losing their coverage.
• Most survey respondents (65.9 percent) were either mostly or completely satisfied with the quality of care they receive through Medicaid, and many respondents described how important Medicaid coverage has been for them and their families.
• 59.1 percent of survey respondents in Missouri reported challenges with applying for their Medicaid coverage, such as long waits, not understanding how to apply, and difficulties navigating the program website.
• 61.0 percent of survey respondents in Missouri reported challenges with accessing services using their Medicaid coverage, such as a lack of transportation and difficulty finding providers that accept Medicaid.