Iowa's Medicaid program has seen rapid growth throughout the pandemic, which analysts have said puts it in "uncharted territory," according to The Gazette.
Here are five things to know:
1. Iowa's Medicaid population has seen a 15.6 percent increase since the pandemic began. Its program has grown by over 64,000 enrollees to 487,193 as of July.
2. More than 55,500 residents have enrolled in the state's Health and Wellness program, which offers fewer benefits to a wider range of individuals.
3. The Health and Wellness program grew more than twice as much as Iowa's Medicaid program, swelling 30 percent to a total of over 228,500 enrollees as of July.
4. The two programs are expected to grow by 3,000-7,000 individuals each month through December.
5. When unenrollments are allowed after pandemic-era regulations, Medicaid membership is expected to decline by over 100,000 people, according to analysts.