What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a health insurance program for certain low-income individuals and their families. The program is run jointly by the federal government and your state. People 65 years of age or older who meet the income and asset limits for their state are eligible for Medicaid. Your state is in charge of setting the income and asset eligibility tests for its residents. Medicaid provides a broad level of health insurance coverage, including doctor visits, hospital expenses, nursing home care, home health care, and the like. Medicaid also covers long-term care costs, both in a nursing home and at-home care. Medicare does not provide this coverage.

Prescription drugs are not covered by Medicaid. But if you're eligible for Medicaid, the program may pay the premium for Medicare Part D, the Medicare prescription drug plan.

To find out more about Medicaid and your state's eligibility requirements, visit Medicaid.gov.