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

Almost a decade ago, Nebraska made it easier to recover Medicaid costs.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

With my dad and my aunt and uncle, Medicaid took everything, including their homes, to pay for nursing-home care.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Medicaid claims data showed providers billed as much as $340,000 a patient a year, the Journal reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 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