What is Medicaid Health Insurance?
Medicaid is a program established pursuant to Title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide medical benefits for certain categories of low-income individuals. The program provides benefits to indigent and disabled individuals and members of families receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
States have the option to provide benefits to a broader range of individuals. The program is a cooperative arrangement between the federal government and the states, under which both the federal government and a participating state contribute financial support. The state, however, retains a considerable amount of discretion over the operation and administration of the program, and has the right to determine the benefits to be provided, rules for eligibility, rates of payment for services and other matters, as long as broad regulatory guidelines established by the federal government are followed.
Also known as Medical Assistance, this is a health care program for low-income and other Amedically needy@ persons. State and federal governments jointly fund it. The Medicaid program pays for transportation to non-emergency medical appointments if the recipient has no other means to travel to the appointment. See for more information.
General information on the Medicaid program is given in the Medicaid Fact Sheet. For a free copy, write to: Health Care Financing Administration, Publications, N1-26-27, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. For specifics on Medicaid eligibility and the health services offered, contact your State Medicaid Program Office. |
