Philadelphia Government Health Care

Medicaid provides medical assistance to low-income people. In addition to paying for some basic medical expenses, it helps pay for prescription drugs, dental work, vision care, mental health treatment, nursing home costs, long-term care, and rehabilitation services.

The federal government funds Medicaid through both state and federal programs. States are required to cover certain groups of needy persons, such as children, pregnant women, parents, elderly adults, blind people, disabled people, and families with very young children. Some states provide additional coverage for poor working families.

States must meet specific requirements set out in the Social Security Act, including having a plan approved by the Health Insurance Exchange Authority (HIXA). Most states use the MA program to fund their plans. Federal law requires that each state maintain a system of managed care organizations (MCOs) to administer the MA program. These MCOs contract with providers to deliver needed services.