MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES AND HEALTH REFORM

Some health reform proposals include reductions in Medicaid benefits i n favor of a more basic health plan that would cover a broader range o f Americans, including the uninsured. This study provides data on the implications of such proposals. With current Medicaid coverage, the st udy finds that one in five adults experienced serious problems getting and paying for health care in the past year. In addition, a substanti al number of Medicaid beneficiaries now have trouble paying for the ba sic necessities of life; the well-being of these beneficiaries (betwee n one-quarter and one-half of all beneficiaries) would be placed in je opardy by proposed cuts in coverage levels and benefits. Medicaid bene ficiaries report worse health status and greater disability level than the general public, suggesting that proposals to link Medicaid covera ge with ability to work should be pursued with caution.