Medicaid covers low-income individuals, families and children with state and federal run health insurance.
Medicaid also funds the nation's safety-net facilities.
Medicaid is a government run health insurance program, for low-income people that is financed and governed by the federal government in partnership with individual states.
Each state determines the guidelines under which Medicaid is administered, provided they comply with federal rules and regulations.
The federal government dictates which services each State must cover in order to receive federal assistance.
In 2009, Medicaid covered more than 60 million individuals in need, with many of those persons living below the poverty level.
The most popular services that Medicaid includes are: •Health screenings and health care for children, including immunizations •Health care provider services, including hospital and doctor expenses •Lab and diagnostic tests •Skilled Nursing care in nursing homes •Home health care services and visits Those typically eligible for Medicaid coverage include low-income individuals with disabilities, low-income children, pregnant women, low-income families with dependent children and those persons age 65 or older.
Medicaid coverage also extends to financing the nation's community health centers and public hospitals known as the safety-net facilities.
These facilities provide health care to the low-income or no income families in addition to traditionally insured patients.
These safety-net facilities are often located in rural areas.
Low-income seniors may have both Medicaid and Medicare.
Medicaid can assist these seniors with Medicare premiums, long-term care facility costs and gaps in Medicare coverage.
If you feel you or a loved one may qualify for Medicaid coverage, you may call your local county family health services department.