what does medicaid pay for

Medicaid is a program that provides health care coverage to people who qualify based on income and other factors. Each state runs its own Medicaid program, but the federal government has rules that all states must follow. States establish and administer their own Medicaid programs and determine the type, amount, duration, and scope of services within broad federal guidelines. Mandatory benefits include services such as inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services, among others. Optional benefits include services such as prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Medicaid also covers a broad range of services to address the diverse needs of the populations it serves, including prescription drugs, physical therapy, eyeglasses, and dental care. The specific services covered by Medicaid vary by state and depend on factors such as age, financial circumstances, family situation, or living arrangements.