Medicaid: An overview

Abstract

Medicaid is a means-tested entitlement program that in FY2012 financed the delivery of primary and acute medical services as well as long-term services and supports to an estimated 57 million people, and cost states and the federal government $431 billion. In comparison, the Medicare program provided health care benefits to nearly 50 million seniors and certain individuals with disabilities in FY2012 at a cost of roughly $557 billion. Because Medicaid represents a large component of federal mandatory spending, Congress is likely to continue its oversight of Medicaid's eligibility, benefits, and costs.