Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. It is designed to assist those who may not be able to afford health care, including children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and individuals with disabilities. Medicaid programs vary by state, with each state having the authority to set its own eligibility criteria and benefits.

For example, in New York, Medicaid covers a wide range of services, including hospital stays, outpatient care, long-term care, and preventive services. In contrast, in Texas, the program primarily focuses on children and pregnant women, with different eligibility thresholds.

Notable cases include the Supreme Court decision in National Federation of InDependent Business v. Sebelius (2012), which upheld the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, allowing states the option to expand their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income individuals.