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Issue Briefs

Overview of LCS Publications on Medicaid

Subject:
Health Care & Health Insurance
Published:
May 26, 2026
Publishing Agency:
Legislative Council Staff

This issue brief summarizes publications on Medicaid that Legislative Council Staff (LCS) has prepared in the last five years.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals, including children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.  The federal government establishes general rules and policies for Medicaid, including required services and eligible populations, and each state administers its own Medicaid program.

Within federal rules and with federal approval, states have the flexibility to cover certain optional services, expand coverage to additional populations, and offer unique services to targeted populations.  As such, Medicaid programs vary considerably from state to state.