medicaid

IPA/ˈmedɪkeɪd/
KK[mˈɛdəkˌed]IPA/ˈmedɪkeɪd/

medicaid — noun

1. A federally backed medical insurance system in the United States that covers peo

1.nounB2
Definition

A federally backed medical insurance system in the United States that covers people and families with low incomes who could not otherwise pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, and other health services.

Example

Romi signed up for Medicaid after losing her job at the bakery.

sign up for [program]

Medicaid pays for hospital visits and doctor check-ups for people with low incomes.

pays for [medical services]

Common collocations
  • on Medicaid
  • qualify for Medicaid
  • Medicaid coverage
  • Medicaid benefits
  • expand Medicaid
  • Medicaid recipient
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • private insurance

    health coverage bought from a private company, not a government program

Usage Note

A proper noun, always capitalized. Frequently used in the phrase 'on Medicaid' (e.g., 'families on Medicaid'). Not to be confused with Medicare, which covers adults aged 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities regardless of income.

Common Mistakes

She qualified for Medicare because her income was low.
She qualified for Medicaid because her income was low.
Medicare is for people 65 and older or with certain disabilities, not based on low income.
The British medicaid system covers all citizens.
The British National Health Service (NHS) covers all citizens.
Medicaid is a US-specific program; the UK has the NHS.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Medicaid and Medicare are both US government health programs but serve different groups: Medicaid is for people with low incomes regardless of age, while Medicare is for people aged 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare eligibility is not based on income. "Public health insurance" is a broader category covering any government-run plan (including Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children's Health Insurance Program). "Private insurance" refers to plans purchased from companies like Blue Cross or through an employer. For example: A 70-year-old retired teacher uses Medicare regardless of her savings, while a 30-year-old unemployed factory worker may qualify for Medicaid if his income is low enough.

Medicare ↗public health insuranceprivate insurance

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • qualify for Medicaid
  • sign up for Medicaid
  • apply for Medicaid
  • Medicaid recipient

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglishAmerican English

Coined in the United States in 1965 as part of the Social Security Act. The name is a blend of 'medical' (from Latin 'medicus', meaning 'of a physician') and 'aid' (from Old French 'aide', meaning 'help'). It was modeled on the name 'Medicare', which was created at the same time, with the '-aid' suffix chosen to emphasize assistance and support for those in need.