The Medicaid program is a critical source of coverage and care for over 70 million Americans. Medicaid is a means-tested entitlement program overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that provides health and long-term care coverage for women, children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and working adults. States design and administer their Medicaid programs in accordance with guidelines from the federal government. AAMC-member academic health systems account for a disproportionate share of Medicaid hospitalizations and rely on Medicaid to support their ability to care for low-income and underserved patients. The AAMC advocates on behalf of members to ensure sufficient coverage and reimbursement to maintain access to services for their patients.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21), signed into law on July 4, 2025, made sweeping changes to Medicaid that are expected to affect Medicaid financing, provider reimbursement, and access to care. The provisions are projected to result in 10 million more uninsured individuals over 10 years and $1 trillion in federal Medicaid payment cuts. CMS is tasked with implementing the Medicaid provisions of the OBBBA.
Learn more about the AAMC’s regulatory advocacy and analysis using the resources listed below.
Comment Letters (PDF)
- AAMC Comments on CMS Proposed Rule on Medicaid Provider Tax Waivers (2025)
- AAMC Comments on CMS Proposed Rule on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality (2023)
- AAMC Comments on Medicaid Proposed Rule on Eligibility and Enrollment (2022)
AAMC Webinars
AAMC Resources
CMS Resources
- CMS Overview of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program
- CMS Guidance on State Directed Payments
- CMS’ List of Approved State Directed Payment Preprints