Medicaid
UK: ˈmɛdɪkeɪd | US: ˈmɛdɪˌkeɪd
n. A U.S. government program providing healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families.
medicaid = medi<medical> + aid<assistance>
- medi (from Latin medicus, meaning "medical" or "healing")
- aid (from Old French aide, meaning "help" or "assistance")
Etymology Origin:
The term Medicaid was coined in 1965 as a blend of medical and aid, reflecting its purpose to provide medical assistance to economically disadvantaged groups. The word follows a straightforward compounding pattern common in bureaucratic and policy terminology, combining a descriptive root (medi-) with an action-oriented suffix (-aid) to emphasize its function.
Medicaid covers essential health services for eligible low-income families.
Many seniors rely on Medicaid to pay for nursing home care.
The state expanded Medicaid to include more uninsured residents.
Applying for Medicaid requires proof of income and household size.
Critics argue that Medicaid funding should be increased to improve access.