What is Medicaid?

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to tens of millions of eligible Americans. Learn how it works, who qualifies, and how to get covered in under 5 minutes

Free or Low-Cost Care
Comprehensive Benefits
State and Federal Supported

Whether you qualify depends largely on your household size, income, and whether your state has expanded Medicaid coverage under federal guidelines.

Watch the 5-Minute Overview: Press play below to get a complete breakdown of Medicaid eligibility, covered benefits, and application steps.

Select Your State to Begin

Select your state to learn more about Medicaid and enroll

US State Healthcare and Benefits Selector

State Benefits and Healthcare Portal

Select your state from the menu below to be directed to your local benefits resource.

Choose Your State:

States with dedicated portals route directly to their state exchange

Key Elements of Medicaid

Medicaid is designed to ensure essential medical care is accessible to individuals and families who qualify.

Joint State and Federal Program

Medicaid is funded jointly by federal and state governments, but managed directly by each state to meet local population needs.

Income-Based Qualification

Eligibility is primarily based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) relative to Federal Poverty Guidelines and family size.

Comprehensive Benefits

Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, prescriptions, long-term nursing care, and specialized medical support.

Medicaid vs. Medicare: What's the Difference?

It's common to confuse the two programs. Here is a quick breakdown to clear up the differences:

Feature	Medicaid	Medicare
Primary Requirement	Low income and limited resources	Age 65+ or qualifying disability
Administration	State-managed under federal guidelines	Federal government program (CMS)
Out-of-Pocket Costs	Typically zero to minimal cost-sharing	Deductibles, premiums, and coinsurance apply
Long-Term Care	Covers nursing facility and home care	Limited skilled nursing coverage only
Dual Eligibility	Qualifying individuals can receive benefits from both programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions regarding Medicaid coverage and application.

Who is eligible for Medicaid?

Eligibility varies by state. Generally, Medicaid serves low-income adults, pregnant women, children, seniors (age 65 and older), and individuals living with disabilities.

How much does Medicaid cost?

For most beneficiaries, Medicaid coverage is available at little to no cost. Out-of-pocket costs such as copays or premiums are strictly capped by federal and state regulations.

Can I have Medicaid and private health insurance at the same time?

Yes. If you have private health insurance or employer coverage, Medicaid acts as the secondary payer, helping cover costs that your primary plan does not pay.