April Is Medicaid Awareness Month
Medicaid Is a Lifeline for 68 Million Americans
Every April, we honor the program that makes health care possible for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. In 2026, the 9th annual Medicaid Awareness Month comes at a critical moment.
Key Facts About Medicaid Awareness Month
- What: Medicaid Awareness Month is an annual observance honoring America’s largest health coverage program
- When: Every April — April 2026 marks the 9th annual observance
- Founded: Launched in April 2018 by Protect Our Care
- Who it covers: 68+ million Americans including 31.5M children, 9.1M people with disabilities, and 8.3M seniors
- Website: MedicaidAwareness.com
What Is Medicaid Awareness Month?
The Nation’s Largest Health Coverage Program
Medicaid Awareness Month is observed every April to highlight the essential role Medicaid plays as the nation’s largest source of health coverage. First launched in April 2018 by Protect Our Care, this annual observance brings together patients, advocates, and community organizations to defend and strengthen the program.
Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage to more than 68 million Americans—nearly 1 in 5 people. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, long-term care, and much more.
April 2026 marks the 9th annual Medicaid Awareness Month, arriving at a critical moment as the program faces unprecedented threats.
Who Medicaid Covers
It Touches Nearly Every Community in America
31.5 million children—nearly half of all kids in America
9.1 million people with disabilities who depend on essential services
8.3 million seniors relying on long-term and nursing home care
Pregnant women, working families, and veterans across all 50 states
In states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, millions of additional adults now have life-saving coverage.
⚠ Medicaid Under Threat
The Fight of a Generation for Health Care
Congressional Republicans slashed Medicaid as part of the reconciliation bill—putting coverage at risk for 7.5 million Americans. Already, 2 million people have lost Medicaid coverage since the bill was signed.
What the GOP Cuts Are Doing
- Slash federal Medicaid funding by hundreds of billions of dollars
- End Medicaid expansion in 40 states and D.C.
- Impose per-capita caps shifting costs to states
- Add burdensome work requirements
- Threaten 4 million people in trigger-law states
Community Impact
How Medicaid Strengthens Every Community
Medicaid is not just health insurance—it is the foundation of health care delivery nationwide.
Children & Families
Medicaid and CHIP cover nearly half of all children in America, ensuring immunizations, dental care, and chronic condition treatment.
Seniors & Long-Term Care
Primary payer for long-term services, covering ~62% of all nursing home stays and helping millions of seniors age at home.
People with Disabilities
For 9.1 million Americans, providing personal care attendants, therapies, and support for independent living.
Rural Hospitals
A financial lifeline for rural hospitals—370+ hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are already closing, cutting services, or at risk of closing.
Mental Health
The single largest payer for mental health services and substance use disorder treatment in the United States.
Maternal Health
Covers approximately 40% of all U.S. births, providing prenatal, delivery, and postpartum coverage.
History
The Story of Medicaid Awareness Month
Medicaid was signed into law on July 30, 1965, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. For nearly six decades, it has grown into the backbone of America’s health care safety net.
President Johnson signs Medicaid into law
CHIP created to cover more children
ACA expands Medicaid eligibility nationwide
Protect Our Care launches first Medicaid Awareness Month
9th annual observance amid unprecedented threats
Take Action
How to Get Involved During Medicaid Awareness Month
Share Your Story
Personal stories are the most powerful tool in this fight. Tell us how Medicaid impacts your family →
Contact Your Officials
Call or write your members of Congress. Tell them to oppose Medicaid cuts that hurt real people in their districts.
Spread the Word
Use #MedicaidAwarenessMonth and #ProtectMedicaid on social media to raise awareness.
Stay Informed
Follow our research and resources and visit MedicaidAwareness.com for the latest updates.
Defend Medicaid.
Defend Health Care.
Medicaid saves lives. This fight is too important for any of us to sit on the sidelines. Join the movement today.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid Awareness Month
When is Medicaid Awareness Month?
Medicaid Awareness Month is observed every April. In 2026, it takes place throughout April with events and advocacy activities nationwide.
Why was April chosen for Medicaid Awareness Month?
April coincides with the spring legislative season when federal and state budgets are debated, making it an ideal time to advocate for Medicaid protections and funding.
Who started Medicaid Awareness Month?
Medicaid Awareness Month was launched in April 2018 by Protect Our Care, the leading national health care advocacy organization fighting to defend and strengthen health coverage for all Americans.
How many people does Medicaid cover?
More than 68 million Americans—nearly 1 in 5 people—including 31.5 million children, 9.1 million people with disabilities, and 8.3 million seniors.
What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for Americans 65 and older. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program providing health coverage based on income. Many seniors qualify for both, with Medicaid covering long-term nursing home care that Medicare does not.
How can I help during Medicaid Awareness Month?
Share your story, contact elected officials, use #MedicaidAwarenessMonth on social media, attend local events, and stay informed at ProtectOurCare.org and MedicaidAwareness.com.