Medicaid

The program, known as Medicaid, became law in 1965 as a jointly funded cooperative venture between the Federal and State governments to assist states in the provision of adequate medical care to eligible needy persons. Medicaid is the largest program providing medical and health-related services to America's poorest people. The Federal statute identifies over 25 different eligibility categories for which federal funds are available. These statutory categories can be classified in to five broad coverage groups: Children, Pregnant Women; Adults in Families with Dependent children; individuals with disabilities, and individuals 65 or over.