ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Health and Long-Term Care Benefits

Medicaid

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a medical assistance program for poor older or disabled persons and certain children and families whose income and assets fall below certain levels set by federal and state law. Unlike Medicare, which offers the same benefits to all enrollees, Medicaid is managed by individual states, and the benefits and eligibility vary by state. The following questions address Medicaid as it applies to older and disabled adults.