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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of Medicaid

medic(al) + aid

Example Sentences

I am a kid who grew up on Medicaid and food assistance and understand what it feels like when you don’t know whether you’re going to be able to afford your bills month to month.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

Indiana officials plan to announce this week the state is pausing new enrollments of autism-therapy providers with its Medicaid program, said Marcus Barlow, a senior official at the state agency overseeing Medicaid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Until Medicare eligibility begins, your options may include COBRA, the ACA Marketplace, or Medicaid.

From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026

His proposal would require monthly premiums for undocumented immigrants receiving coverage from Medi-Cal, the state’s version of the federal Medicaid program.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 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