As Congress considers changes to the nation’s health care system, NACo urges them to consider implications of reforms that would merely shift costs to counties. Counties stand ready to work with Congress to identify strategies to strengthen our nation’s health system and provide high-quality coverage and access to care for all of their residents while being responsible stewards of local taxpayer dollars.

Download Report on Medicaid and Counties

Medicaid 101

Established in 1965, Medicaid is a federal entitlement program paid for by taxpayers that provides health and long-term care insurance to low-income families and individuals. Medicaid operates and is jointly financed as a partnership between federal, state and local governments. 

Tagged In:

Related News

US Capitol
Advocacy

U.S. Congress passes reconciliation bill: What it means for counties

On July 3, the U.S. Congress passed sweeping budget reconciliation legislation. 

flouride
County News

Fluoride in drinking water: History, safety and benefits for community health

The EPA sets and regulates a maximum level of fluoridation in public water systems, but the federal government cannot require states or localities to fluoridate their water, nor can it remove fluoridation in jurisdictions where it is already policy.

Image of Capitol-panorama_2.jpg
Advocacy

U.S. Senate passes amended reconciliation bill text: What it means for counties

On July 1, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed their version of sweeping budget reconciliation legislation.

THE_County Countdown_working_image-4.png
Advocacy

County Countdown – June 30, 2025

Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership. This week features the Senate reconciliation debate, transparency on sanctuary designations and more.

bike
Advocacy

NACo submits recommendations on the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy

On June 20, NACo submitted formal comments to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to help shape the development of its 2026 National Drug Control Strategy. This strategy serves as the nation’s blueprint for reducing illicit drug use, and the ONDCP plays a central role in coordinating federal drug policy across government agencies.

Black mid adult male doctor with notepad and pen talking to a patient
Advocacy

U.S. House of Representatives introduces legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for behavioral health treatment facilities

On June 20, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act in the U.S. House of Representative. This bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care nationwide by removing long-standing Medicaid funding restrictions for behavioral health treatment in certain facilities, providing new flexibility for states and counties to meet growing behavioral health needs.