Sponsors (2)
The bill would substantially expand outreach and navigator support to increase Medicaid/CHIP enrollment and reduce uncompensated care and financial strain for families, but it raises federal spending, risks misuse without strong oversight, and may have limited effect if complex eligibility rules remain unchanged.
Low-income people, Medicaid beneficiaries, and uninsured individuals would be more likely to enroll and stay enrolled because expanded navigators/outreach and full federal reimbursement reduce wrongful disenrollment and boost outreach, improving access to care and chronic-condition management.
Families with children and older adults would face fewer medical bills and less financial hardship as improved enrollment and renewal assistance reduces coverage gaps.
State governments would face less budgetary pressure for outreach/enrollment activities and could run more efficient enrollment systems because states receive 100% federal reimbursement for qualifying outreach and navigator costs.
Taxpayers could face higher federal (and possibly state) spending and larger budget outlays or deficits because expanding navigator support and providing 100% federal reimbursement increases government expenditures.
States might shift programmatic priorities or reduce their own contributions in reliance on federal reimbursement, and framing work requirements/frequent redeterminations as barriers could create political tension between enforcement and maximizing coverage.
If definitions of reimbursable outreach are broad or oversight is weak, federal funds could subsidize activities with variable oversight, increasing the risk of improper payments and weak accountability.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires 100% federal reimbursement to states for Medicaid and CHIP outreach and enrollment costs for calendar quarters beginning after enactment.
Official title: To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase payments to States with respect to outreach and enrollment under the Medicaid program.
Introduced May 4, 2026 by Troy Carter · Last progress May 4, 2026
Provides full federal reimbursement to states for outreach and enrollment costs for Medicaid (Title XIX) and CHIP (Title XXI). The federal government would pay states 100% of qualifying outreach and enrollment expenditures for each quarter beginning after enactment, to help states enroll and retain eligible people affected by recent work requirements and more frequent renewals. Aims to bolster navigator and outreach programs so families, children, older adults, and other eligible individuals do not lose coverage due to administrative barriers; the change applies to quarters beginning on or after the law takes effect.