Dictionary.net

health care for the needy; a federally and state-funded program

health care for the needy; a federally and state-funded program

A program established by the federal government and administered by the states to help pay medical costs for financially needy people. Need is defined by the program of the state in which the applicant resides. Medicaid operates in addition to Medicare to help pay for some of the medical costs that Medicare does not cover.

Federal program, created by Public Law 89-97, Title XIX, a 1965 amendment to the Social Security Act, administered by the states, that provides health care benefits to indigent and medically indigent persons.

With funding from the federal government and administered by the individual states, this is a specific health care program. To have medical expenses paid, certain guidelines, including income requirements, are met to be eligible.