How to Get Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance

Who Pays for Medicaid?

Medicaid is paid for by federal and state taxes. It is administered at the state level. That's why coverage and eligibility rules vary from one state to another.

If you receive Medicaid, your friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens are paying for your health care with their tax dollars.

If you get Medicaid, you’ll likely be cared for at the same hospitals and by the same physicians as people who have private health insurance.

Even though Medicaid is government health insurance, most of the care provided to people who receive it comes from private businesses and healthcare providers. Most states contract with private insurance companies to administer coverage. On your ID card, you might have the name and logo of a well-known insurance provider.9

Depending on the state where you live and your Medicaid eligibility category, you'll be able to apply for Medicaid through your state's ACA health insurance exchange or by contacting your state’s Medicaid program directly.10

Recap

Medicaid is free or low-cost insurance that is paid for federal and state taxes. You can get it if you have a low income and meet other eligibility requirements. That said, states have different rules about Medicaid.