This brief by the Kaiser Family Foundation explains the Medicaid program, how it affects state and federal budgets, and the role it plays in health care reform.

From the brief:

Medicaid is the nation’s primary health insurance program for low-income and high-need Americans. Medicaid covers 60 million low-income Americans. The program provides health coverage for low-income families who lack access to other affordable coverage options and for individuals with disabilities for whom private coverage is often not available or not adequate. Today, Medicaid does not cover all individuals with low incomes. Millions of low-income adults (particularly adults without dependent children) are uninsured because they are not eligible for Medicaid and do not have access to other coverage. Given the wide array of health needs and limited incomes of enrollees, Medicaid provides a broad range of services, with limited cost-sharing.

Full Brief: Key Questions about Medicaid and its Role in State/Federal Budgets and Health Reform (PDF | 843 KB)

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2011).  Key questions about Medicaid and its role in state/federal budgets and health reform.