Medicaid Pros And Cons

“Our Nation is accomplishing more for its people than it has ever been accomplished before,” (Johnson 6). In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson was elected president and as president he passed the Social Security Act of 1965, which resulted in the creation of Medicaid. The only medical converge the Americans were given before the act was provided by businesses or the program only covered elders. Medicaid became one of the first programs to provide coverage for a variety of people. Although Medicaid is taken advantage of it is more beneficial because each state can create programs that are beneficial for the people, the states and government are in charge of the finances, and explored ways to provide more opportunities for people to afford medical
As a result of this there are 51 different programs in the U.S. (“The Medicaid…”). This is a significant number because that means there has to be rules and regulations to keep this program cohesive between all the states. There are also flexibilities that distinct each program from each state. According to Julia Paradise, there are mandatory and selected optional services that are provided. This helps regulate how the program is run. Also, this allows each state to pick and choose what is best for their people to adapt to. Some services that are not mandatory are providing prescription drugs, dental care, and durable medical equipment (Paradise). These services may seem very important but to the program they are not. Furthermore, some services that are mandatory include laboratory and x-ray services, nursing for people 21 and older, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, etc. (Paradise). These mandatory services are important for the people because they cover most of their important needs. This seems like away to prevent people from taking advantage because if they are limited services then they won’t be able to abuse the limited ones they
“Beneficiaries must be low-income and meet certain resource standards.” (“Medicaid: A…”). In order to qualify the people have to follow certain requirements. The groups this program covers are considered medically needy (“Medicaid”). Those who are considered that have to show their income and how many children they have. This is so the program can help those who really need the help and have no other alternative. The requirements needed aren’t too much to ask for which makes it easy for anyone to apply. According to Paradise, the percent of children enrolled in the program is 48%. This shows that children are most likely to get coverage for any medical needs. If children are covered then it can help the rest of the family to become eligible if needed. As a result, the program has lowered the number of death rates and increased the number of healthier people (Johnson). By making eligibility easier and affordable many people in the nation have benefited