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

CMS still plans to implement the longer-term payment model in Medicaid, and said it was accepting applications from states through the end of July.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

She said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should “use its administrative authorities earlier and more aggressively” to curtail fraud rather than respond after it’s occurred.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

After the pardon, Schwartz still had to return to Arkansas in late December to serve nine months in prison for defrauding the state’s Medicaid program.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

Krysten does meet the requirements to stay on Medicaid, which she’s thankful for.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Her Appalachian childhood had acquainted her with government assistance, and she was a whiz with the Medicaid forms.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• Medicare