Briefly describe the Medicaid program.

What will be an ideal response?

• The Medicaid program is a joint federal-state health insurance program that covers groups who are eligible to receive cash payments under one of two existing welfare programs established under Social Security: Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income. The mandatory eligibility groups covered by Medicaid include (1) families with children who receive TANF; (2) pregnant and postpartum women and their children under 6 years of age whose incomes do not exceed 133 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL); (3) aged, blind, and disabled individuals who receive SSI; and (4) certain other specifically defined groups. This public obligation was delegated to the states as part of their police powers. States may choose to extend Medicaid coverage to other groups of needy individuals and may determine the scope of additional services offered.
• The following are mandatory benefits of every state Medicaid program:
• Hospital inpatient care.
• Hospital outpatient services.
• Certified nurse practitioner services.
• Laboratory and X-ray services.
• Nursing facility services for those aged 21 and older.
• Home health services for those eligible for nursing services.
• Physicians’ services.
• Family planning services and supplies.
• Rural health clinic services.
• Early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment for children under 21 years of age.
• Nurse midwife services.
• Certain federally qualified health center services.
• Medical and surgical services furnished by a dentist.