Medicaid coverage has helped to drive down the nations uninsured rates to record lows and reduced uncompensated care.

As a decades-old program effectively fulfilling a key need every day, Medicaid is not always fully understood.

Moreover, the program continues to evolve.

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Medicaid Benefits Vary by State.

Where you live matters in terms of your eligibility for Medicaid coverage and what benefits you could receive.

Many States Have Alternative Names for Medicaid.

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Because each state administers its own Medicaid programwith the federal government sharing the costmany states usealternative namesfor their programs.

To learn if your states program goes by another name, clickhere.

Medicaid is the Largest Public Payer of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).

Health care provider and patient

Medicaid Provides Extra Help to Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries.

Many Medicare beneficiaries have incomes so low that they qualify for Medicaidin addition toMedicare.

In 2016, about 10 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries qualified for Medicaid.

Mature couple working on family finances at home together. They pay bills, complete income taxes, apply for home loan, investing, or pay off a credit card.

This is a tremendously important benefit for Medicare beneficiaries with very low-incomes.

Recently, three more statesIdaho, Nebraska, and Utahpassed ballot measures to expand their programs.

As a result, close to 300,000 more people areexpected to gain coverage.

![The mid adult female doctor and her senior adult male patient discuss the home healthcare options listed in the brochure.](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarpe/en/home/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/what-consumers-need-to-know-about-medicaid/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/container_additional_1/container_2123475527/featuredlist/tabItem/eliminating-access-no-cost-preventive-health-services-affect-older-adults3.coreimg.75.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/ppi/topics/health/coverage-access/no-cost preventive-health-services-report.jpg)

New Requirements Pose a Threat to the Program.

People could lose or be denied Medicaid coverage if they do not comply with these new rules.

These types of policies can lead to people losing Medicaid coverage even if they work and pay their premiums.

Navigating the Medicare Coverage Maze: Challenges and Policy Solutions

a computer) necessary to report their compliance to the state.

TheMedicaid Waiver Tracker, a handy tracking service, can help you keep up on the latest.

The site is regularly updated, so ensure you check it frequently.

Woman doing online research

Medicaid is a Very Popular Program

Medicaid provides tremendous value to consumers and their families and friends.

Policymakers should be sure to listen.

That decision is now pending appeal.

It assessed familiarity, satisfaction, and plan switching.