Improving Medicaid Enrollment Rates among Eligible Migrant Children

Abstract

Many migrant children who are eligible for Medicaid are not enrolled in the public insurance program while residing in North Carolina. This qualitative study explores the barriers migrants face when enrolling children in Medicaid. The time involved in the enrollment process, difficulty obtaining proof of income and residency, and mistrust of government all create barriers to enrollment in Medicaid for the migrant population. This article discusses policy recommendations and evaluates the potential effectiveness of a rapid enrollment system based on presumptive eligibility.