What is Medicaid?

Providing health coverage to millions of Americans

 

What exactly is Medicaid?

 

Medicaid is a public health insurance program. It provides health coverage to those who qualify. Most people pay very little for Medicaid. Some pay nothing at all.

 

Who qualifies for Medicaid?

 

Did you know that millions and millions of people are enrolled in Medicaid every year? Medicaid is used by adults, pregnant people, children, and people with disabilities.

Adults and families

 

States with the Medicaid Expansion program offer plans for adults and families who meet income requirements. In states without Medicaid Expansion for adults, parents and caregivers may still be eligible for coverage.

 

Pregnant people and new moms

 

Medicaid offers coverage for pregnant people and new moms who meet income requirements of the program.

 

Children

 

For kids, there are specific programs for health coverage, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This program offers health insurance to eligible children under the age of 19.

 

People with disabilities

 

Medicaid also offers coverage to people with disabilities. Disabilities may include physical impairments and injuries, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental and behavioral health disorders, and other conditions.

What’s covered

 

Medicaid benefits vary from state to state. With Medicaid, you can get benefits such as:

 

 Doctor visits

 Hospital stays

 Medicines

 Pregnancy care

 Checkups and immunizations for children

 Dental care

 Vision care

 Behavioral and mental health care

 Long-term services and supports

 

Many Wellpoint Medicaid plans come with extra benefits. They’re called value-added benefits and may include:*

 

 Extra dental and vision coverage

 Boys & Girls Club memberships

 School supplies and tutoring

 Resources for new parents

 

 

*These value-added benefits may not be available for members in all plans.

Wellpoint offers Medicaid plans in these states: