In Medicaid, individuals may receive assistance based on which criteria?

In Medicaid, individuals can receive assistance primarily based on socioeconomic status, among other factors. Medicaid is designed to provide health insurance to low-income individuals and families, which inherently links eligibility to their financial situation. This program aims to support those who are economically disadvantaged and may lack access to necessary health care services due to their income level.

While age eligibility, disability status, and citizenship status are important factors that can affect Medicaid enrollment, eligibility is fundamentally rooted in socioeconomic need. For example, individuals may qualify based on their income relative to the federal poverty level, regardless of their age or disability status.

Understanding that Medicaid targets low-income populations helps clarify the nature of the assistance provided. It is designed to reduce financial barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that those who struggle economically can still receive necessary medical services.