We estimate the impact of Express Lane Eligibility (ELE) implementation on Medicaid/CHIP enrollment in eight states using 2007-2011 data from the Statistical Enrollment Data System. We use fixed effects difference-in-differences models to allow the experience of non-ELE states to serve as a counterfactual to assess the changes in the ELE states. Across specifications, ELE effects on Medicaid enrollment among children were consistently positive, ranging between 4.0 and 7.3 percent, with most estimates statistically significant at the 5 percent level. Our results imply ELE has been an effective way for states to increase enrollment and retention among children eligible for Medicaid/CHIP.

This article was published in Health Services Research, volume 49, issue 4.