Unfortunately, the research behind a state-level policy improving the generosity of Medicaid benefits and its effects on enrollment is limited. The two main studies are non-experimental/static group comparison studies comparing the enrollment across states to the generosity of benefits in those states. The researchers created regression models to predict how enrollment would be affected as benefits increase. Although the evidence is currently limited, the initial research suggests a policy-level intervention to enhance benefits would be effective. As the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid provisions are enacted, there will be more opportunities for researchers to assess how benefit changes affect enrollment.
