Which of the following is INCORRECT concerning Medicaid?
A. It provides medical assistance to low-income people who cannot otherwise provide for themselves
B. It pays for hospital care, outpatient care, and laboratory and X-ray services
C. The federal government provides about 56 cents for every Medicaid dollar spent
D. It is solely a federally administered program
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. It is solely a federally administered program.
Explanation:
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides medical assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. It was established in 1965 under Title XIX of the Social Security Act and is designed to help those who cannot afford necessary medical services. It is important to understand that Medicaid is not solely administered by the federal government, but rather is a partnership between federal and state governments, each with distinct roles.
Here’s a breakdown of each statement:
- A. It provides medical assistance to low-income people who cannot otherwise provide for themselves:
This statement is correct. Medicaid is specifically aimed at providing health coverage for individuals and families who are low-income, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Eligibility criteria are determined by each state, but federal guidelines set the framework for the program. - B. It pays for hospital care, outpatient care, and laboratory and X-ray services:
This statement is correct. Medicaid covers a broad range of healthcare services, including hospital stays, outpatient care, laboratory tests, X-rays, preventive services, and sometimes prescription drugs. Coverage may vary slightly from state to state, but the basic requirements are standardized under federal law. - C. The federal government provides about 56 cents for every Medicaid dollar spent:
This statement is correct. The federal government typically pays a percentage of Medicaid costs, which varies depending on the state’s income levels. On average, the federal government covers about 56% of Medicaid expenses, with the remainder being funded by individual states. - D. It is solely a federally administered program:
This statement is incorrect. Medicaid is not solely a federal program. It is jointly administered by the federal government and the states, with the federal government setting broad guidelines and funding a significant portion of the costs, while individual states administer the program and set specific eligibility and benefits within those guidelines. This flexibility allows states to tailor Medicaid to meet local needs.
Thus, D is the incorrect statement.