A recent study published in Health Affairs reveals that a substantial reduction in Tennessee’s Medicaid enrollment almost two decades ago resulted in a significant surge in evictions, shedding light on potential consequences as states currently navigate the termination of pandemic-era coverage protections. The study gains importance as over 16.4 million Americans have been disenrolled from Medicaid since April when states were no longer restricted from terminating coverage with the end of the COVID-19 emergency.
The research indicates that a considerable portion of those losing Medicaid could face an elevated risk of housing insecurity, emphasizing a critical link between eviction and the loss of Medicaid, both of which are associated with adverse health outcomes due to increased difficulties in accessing and affording healthcare.
The study delves into the aftermath of Tennessee’s decision to terminate Medicaid coverage for 190,000 individuals in 2005 as a cost-cutting measure. The state witnessed a 24.5% greater increase in the average annual number of evictions compared to other Southern states, with a notable 27.6% rise in eviction filings relative to neighboring states.
Despite the insights provided by this historical example, the researchers caution against directly applying these findings to the current Medicaid unwinding process. The challenges faced by individuals today may differ significantly from those in the past, considering the record-low housing affordability and the ongoing escalation of healthcare costs. Losing Medicaid coverage today could potentially exacerbate the difficulty of meeting rent payments compared to the conditions prevailing 20 years ago. This study underscores the complex interplay between healthcare access, housing stability, and the potential implications of changes to public health coverage programs.