Association of Medicaid Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act With Insurance Status, Cancer Stage, and Timely Treatment Among Patients With Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer

Abstract

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid eligibility in participating states to nonelderly adults with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Since its passage, more than 20 million US residents have gained insurance coverage.¹ These expansions have been associated with improved access to care, affordability, and, for certain surgical procedures and medical conditions, health outcomes.^2-8 However, studies have also suggested unintended consequences, such as lengthened wait times,^2,6 and debate about the overall effect of the expansions at the state and federal levels is ongoing.⁹