Medicaid is a government-sponsored insurance program that works to assist low-income families and individuals in costs associated with medical care (e.g. doctor visits, hospital stays, long-term medical, custodial care costs). Primarily funded by the federal government, Medicaid operates at the state level and is available only to individuals and families that meet certain criteria that include legal and permanent residency in the United States and low-income generation.
Individuals and families can determine their eligibility for Medicaid in one of two ways: via an online application through the Health Insurance Marketplace website or an application submitted directly through a state’s Medicaid agency.