what is medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and families who cannot afford healthcare costs. It is a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government, and it is administered by states according to federal requirements. Each state runs its own Medicaid program, so eligibility requirements and benefits can vary from state to state. Medicaid offers benefits that Medicare doesn’t normally cover, like nursing home care and long-term care. In North Carolina, Medicaid is administered by the Division of Health Benefits, which is dedicated to providing access to physical and behavioral health care and services to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians.