The Medicaid Program provides medical benefits to groups of low income people some who may have no medical insurance or inadequate medical insurance. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some medical services.

Medicaid is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. States have some discretion in determining which groups their Medicaid programs will cover and the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility. Click her to view links to state resources in your area.

Many groups of people are covered by Medicaid. Even within these groups, though, certain requirements must be met. These may include your age, whether you are pregnant, disabled, blind, or aged; your income and resources (like bank accounts, real property, or other items that can be sold for cash); and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant. The rules for counting your income and resources vary from state to state and from group to group. There are special rules for those who live in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home. Even if you are not sure whether you qualify, if you or someone in your family needs health care, you should apply for Medicaid and have a qualified caseworker in your state evaluate your situation.

 People with Medicaid, family members, and caregivers should visit the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services , the Official U.S. Government Site for the latest information on Medicaid programs enrollment, benefits, and other helpful tools.