Medicaid

United States social health care program for families and individuals with limited resources

Medicaid in the United States is a federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, including nursing home care and personal care services.

Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with low income in the United States, providing free health insurance to 74 million low-income and disabled people (23% of Americans) as of 2017.[1][2][3]

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, states had the option to expand Medicaid coverage to nearly all low-income people under the age of 65. Eligibility for children was extended to at least 133% of the federal poverty level, and states now have the option to cover adults with income levels at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.[4] The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded coverage so that more Americans have access to health insurance—which includes mental health treatment coverage. Under the ACA, both mental and behavioral health disorders are covered similarly to physical health disorders.[5] This includes the treatment of substance use disorders.

References change

  1. Gottlieb JD, Shepard M (2017-07-02). "Evidence on the Value of Medicaid". Econofact. Retrieved 2017-07-05.
  2. Terhune, Chad (2018-10-18). "Private Medicaid Plans Receive Billions In Tax Dollars, With Little Oversight". Health Shots. NPR. Retrieved 2018-10-18. ...Medicaid, the nation's public insurance program that assists 75 million low-income Americans.
  3. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 (Report). United States Census Bureau, Population Division. 2017-12-01. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved 2018-10-18. Estimated United States population as of July 1, 2017 = 325,719,178
  4. Dan Wagener. "Medicaid Rehab Coverage for Drug, Alcohol & Substance Abuse Treatment". American Addiction Centers. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
  5. "Access to rehab through the affordable care act". DrugAbuse.com. Retrieved 2021-02-01.