Introduction

Enacted in 1965 under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, Medicaid was initially created to provide medical assistance to individuals and families receiving cash assistance. Today, Medicaid provides health coverage for millions of individuals who have no ties to cash assistance, including children in low-income families who lack access to private health insurance and on a smaller scale, their parents.

This primer provides a very general overview of the program rules relating to children. Additional resources on Medicaid are available in the Publications section. Also see Facts & Statistics for eligibility and program rules by state.

View by linking to each section on the right or the full Medicaid brief.