With contributions from June Glover, Martha Davis, & Alexis Levy.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is working alongside others to build a national Culture of Health that provides everyone in America a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being. We are working toward this vision by investing in four broad areas of focus: Leadership for Better Health, Healthy Communities, Transforming Health, and Health Care Systems.

As the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated solely to health, we believe strongly in the value of the Medicaid program. Over the years, we have invested in research  to study its impact, programming to support states in their efforts to implement Medicaid effectively, and awareness-raising and education efforts.

However, despite findings from research that RWJF and others have supported showing the value of Medicaid for families and communities, we continue to see prolific misconceptions about the program and those who use it. We also see declining coverage rates among those who are eligible due, in part, to policies that may make enrollment challenging for some.

We are working to help maximize the role of Medicaid in helping people live healthier lives including but not limited to support efforts in three key areas:

  • Medicaid Expansion and Enrollment: We are investing in efforts that provide assistance to states working to expand Medicaid, increase enrollment among those who are eligible, and improve coverage options for people with disabilities and children with special needs.
  • Timely and Relevant Unbiased Research: We are investing in nonpartisan, unbiased research focused on innovative approaches for Medicaid to foster stronger connections between community health and social services; analysis of reform activities; and the impacts of Medicaid waivers, expansion, and the role of Medicaid in addressing the social determinants of health.
  • Communications: We are investing in communications efforts that aim to illustrate the ways in which Medicaid helps individuals, children, and families; to educate the public about the role of Medicaid, including clarifying common misconceptions; and to support enrollment efforts through public education and outreach.