The Medicaid You Didn’t Know You Had

Millions of Americans are at risk of losing healthcare they don’t even know is Medicaid.

A Rose By Any Other Name

What if nearly one-third of Americans receiving federal healthcare didn’t know they had it? And what if, in that confusion, they unknowingly cheered on efforts to take it away?

That’s exactly what’s happening with Medicaid. In over 35 states, the program operates under different names—MassHealth in Massachusetts, TennCare in Tennessee, and Apple Health in Washington. These state-specific brands have successfully reduced perceived stigma but obscure the program’s federal identity. See the complete list of state-branded Medicaid program names.

And now, with Congress considering up to $880 billion in Medicaid cuts as part of budget negotiations, millions of Americans may not realize they may lose coverage.

The Disguised Safety Net

A 2024 study by KFF Health News found that nearly one-third of Medicaid enrollees don’t know they’re on Medicaid. They may assume some other state-run benefit covers them. That gap in understanding has serious consequences. When lawmakers talk about slashing Medicaid, many think it won’t affect them. But if you’re on SoonerCare in Oklahoma, KanCare in Kansas, or HUSKY Health in Connecticut, you’re on Medicaid. If this budget passes, your healthcare is at risk.

Medicaid is often viewed as a program only for the very poor. In reality, it provides healthcare to nearly 80 million Americans, including working-class families, low-income children, seniors in nursing homes, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is key to preventing medical bankruptcy, funding hospitals, and supporting state economies.

However, because states administer the program, many have rebranded it with names that omit the word “Medicaid.” It’s the nation’s largest health safety net—and one of its most misunderstood.

When Awareness Sparks Resistance

During the first Trump administration, efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act included major Medicaid cuts. These proposals sparked widespread resistance, especially once people realized their local programs were on the chopping block. In Tennessee, a federal court found in 2024 that TennCare had wrongly terminated coverage for thousands of people, often without proper notice or a chance to appeal. Many of those affected didn’t realize their benefits were part of Medicaid until the system failed them, reflecting the deeper awareness gap that leaves coverage vulnerable to political and administrative actions. Awareness drove action. When people understood their coverage was Medicaid, they organized, contacted lawmakers, changed the course of the debate, and helped stop the repeal effort.

Improve The Safety Net, Not Cut It.

Let’s be clear: Medicaid is not a minor line item. It is about 13% of the federal budget.

Reforming Medicaid should focus on efficiency and waste reduction, not slashing the safety net millions rely on. Rooting out fraud and misuse is essential to reducing the federal deficit, but it must be done without forcing millions into financial and medical crises.

The Urgency Is Now

The stakes couldn't be higher with new Medicaid funding decisions before Congress. House Republicans are advancing a budget reconciliation bill that slashes Medicaid over the next decade to offset extensions of Trump-era tax breaks. The bill is expected to move forward before Memorial Day, putting tens of millions of Americans at immediate risk.

This is the moment to pay attention and make some noise—before Congress finalizes a decision that could unravel healthcare access for millions.

Here is What You Can Do

• Find out what your state’s program is called. Awareness is power. Use this directory: https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/state-medicaid-resources/

• Talk to friends and family. Help others understand that what’s happening in Washington affects them directly.

• Call your representatives. Use https://www.congress.gov/members to find and contact your senators and representatives.

• Share this article. If you care about healthcare, help others understand what’s at stake.

• Amplify if you’re in healthcare or policy. Professionals and advocates: share this with your networks. You can help correct the record and inform your community.

• Contact the media. Write a letter to the editor, pitch a story to your local TV or radio station, post your story online, and tag reporters or outlets. Local media coverage can drive public awareness and influence policymakers. Statewide and national publications—like The Hill, STAT, or your state’s leading political news site—can elevate the issue.

• Take it local. Email your state lawmakers. Show up at a town hall. Ask how they plan to protect your state’s Medicaid coverage.

Do you use MassHealth, TennCare, or another state program? Did you know it was Medicaid? Reply in the comments—we want to hear from you.

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