Medicaid is the nation's major public insurance program providing health and long-term care to 55 million low-income people. Medicaid provides coverage to low-income children and pregnant women, as well as the elderly who require long-term care and other services not covered by Medicare. While parents and children make up 75 percent of those enrolled in Medicaid, they only account for 28 percent of Medicaid spending. The elderly and disabled, who make up the other 25 percent of enrollment, account for 68 percent of Medicaid spending.

Authorized under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, Medicaid is a means-tested entitlement program financed by state and federal governments and administered by the states. Within broad national guidelines established by the federal government, each state establishes its own eligibility standards; determines the type, amount, duration, and scope of services; sets the rate of payment for such services; and administers its own program.

To help the states manage their Medicaid programs, the NGA Center is:

• Tracking Medicaid cost and enrollment trends;
• Following state reform efforts;
• Providing technical assistance to support program reform and maintenance; and
• Highlighting innovative practices in state purchasing and waiver initiatives.