York records $363 in Medicaid claims tied to COVID-19 for 2024

York Medicaid spending in 2024 included at least $363 for services billed under HCPCS codes specifically linked to COVID-19, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Provider Spending database.

Medicaid operates as a public health coverage program managed by individual states and supported by both federal and state governments. The program serves low-income populations, the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities, placing it among the nation’s most significant health care sectors.

Since Medicaid is funded by taxpayers, any shifts in local billing reflect how community health care dollars are directed.

This analysis classified COVID-19–related services based on HCPCS codes with descriptions identifying them as “COVID-19” or “coronavirus”-related. These figures only cover services distinctly labeled as COVID specific in billing records, and do not include pandemic-related care coded under broader or different medical categories.

Pittsburgh’s Medicaid payments connected to COVID-19 care tracked highest in Pennsylvania for 2024, reaching $266,441 in claims.

Average Medicaid payments per COVID-19 service provider in York were $121, below the statewide average of $6,645.

During the pandemic years, COVID-19-linked services contributed substantially to the growth in York’s Medicaid spending.

Across all non–COVID-19 categories, overall Medicaid payments rose by $48,526,076 between 2020 and 2024—a 236.9% climb.

Average annual Medicaid payments in the two years before the pandemic in York totaled $5,432,189.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data shows federal and state Medicaid spending combined to reach about $871.7 billion for fiscal year 2023, making up around 18% of overall national health expenditures. This was a significant rise from the $613.5 billion prior to the onset of COVID-19 in 2019.

This escalation marks a roughly 40% increase over a few years, largely driven by expanded Medicaid enrollment and heightened usage through and following the pandemic period.

Recent federal budget laws enacted during President Trump’s administration include major plans to reduce federal Medicaid resources and alter the program’s structure. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed in 2025, is expected to cut federal Medicaid spending by over $1 trillion in the next 10 years, introduce work requirements, and raise cost-sharing for recipients. These reforms may decrease coverage and funding for some Medicaid participants and shift additional financial responsibility to states, which could limit future federal Medicaid growth while the program continues to cover millions in the U.S.

Note: Includes HCPCS codes specifically designated for COVID-19 services; total amounts may not cover all types of pandemic-related health expenses.

This report is based on information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid Provider Spending database. Source data is available here.