What is Medicaid?
Q:What is Medicaid?
A: Medicaid is a state administered health care program that provides medical benefits and treatments to low-income individuals and families that would otherwise not be able to afford health insurance. This program is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Each state sets its own regulations that pertain to eligibility, covered benefits and available services. Many different Medicaid programs are offered in most states. Which Medicaid program best fits the needs of an individual are based on factors such as age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged. Income is also an important factor, and minimum income level requirements may vary substantially from one program to another.
Medicaid does not provide medical assistance for all poor persons. Other than emergency services for certain persons, under the provisions of the Federal statute, the Medicaid program does not provide medical benefits for all poor persons unless they are in one of the designated eligibility groups. Low income is only one test for Medicaid eligibility. In addition to federal guidelines, each state may have their own eligibility guidelines. Federal statutes only set minimum requirements that must be recognized by each state. Many states have set up a Children’s Health Insurance Program to expand on the eligibility requirements of the Medicaid program, focusing on making sure that a greater percentage of the children are insured, even if the family does not meet the low-income guidelines under the Medicare program.
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