Medicaid

American  

[med-i-keyd] / ˈmɛd ɪˌkeɪd /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

1. a U.S. government program, financed by federal, state, and local funds, of hospitalization and medical insurance for persons of all ages within certain income limits.

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Medicaid British  

/ ˈmɛdɪˌkeɪd /

noun

1. a health assistance programme financed by federal, state, and local taxes to help pay hospital and medical costs for persons of low income

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Medicaid Cultural  

1. A state and federally funded program that reimburses healthcare providers for care given to qualifying people who cannot pay for their medical expenses.

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Etymology

Origin of Medicaid

medic(al) + aid

Example Sentences

The looming impact of federal Medicaid cuts has reignited a long-simmering, costly battle between California’s medical industry and one of its largest health worker unions.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

While a person’s home may not be counted toward Medicaid’s asset limit, which varies by state, it is not exempt from the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Medicaid will also implement similar stricter work rules for more older adults.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Yet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported this spring that 23.1 million consumers had signed up during this year’s open-enrollment period.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Because they were born in New York, Peralta’s children are United States citizens, and their health care is generally covered by Medicaid.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Related Words

• Medicare