Who administers Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals. The program is administered by individual states, which means that each state develops its own Medicaid program within the framework of federal guidelines. This allows states to tailor their Medicaid programs to meet the specific needs of their populations while still adhering to the overarching requirements established by the federal government.

This state-level administration means that benefits, eligibility criteria, and services can vary significantly from one state to another, reflecting local healthcare needs and policy priorities. While the federal government provides funding and sets certain standards, it is ultimately the responsibility of the state to manage and implement the Medicaid program, making the administration a collaborative effort at the state level rather than something handled exclusively by the federal government or by local municipalities or non-profit organizations.