Projected number of aged people enrolled in Medicaid in the U.S. 2020-2027

The number of older individuals – those aged 65 and older – enrolled in the Medicaid health insurance program was projected to be 6.4 million in 2020. Enrollment is expected to increase year-on-year and is forecast to reach eight million by 2027.

Which enrollment group is the largest?

The percentage of people covered by Medicaid has notably increased since 2000, and enrollment has accelerated in recent years due to the program’s expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The elderly represent the smallest enrollment group, and this looks set to continue in the coming years. The number of disabled enrollees is projected to grow to nearly twelve million, while children are expected to remain the largest enrollment group.

Combining Medicaid and Medicare

Aged individuals can qualify for Medicaid based on their low-income or via another eligibility pathway, such as receiving Supplemental Security Income. Some seniors may also qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, and these dual-eligible beneficiaries receive a comprehensive range of medical support. Medicare is a health insurance program primarily aimed at individuals aged 65 and older – this group accounted for around 85 percent of all Medicare enrollees in 2019.