What does Medicaid primarily assist with?

Medicaid primarily assists with long-term care for low-income individuals, which is a crucial aspect of the program. It is designed to provide essential health coverage to those who meet specific income and resource criteria, ensuring access to necessary medical services and support. Long-term care can include nursing home care or in-home assistance for activities of daily living, which are vital for individuals who may not have the financial means to afford such services otherwise. By focusing on this demographic, Medicaid plays a significant role in preventing healthcare-related financial hardship among low-income families and individuals.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of Medicaid. Outpatient care is typically covered under separate health insurance plans rather than being a central focus of Medicaid. International health coverage is not provided by Medicaid. Additionally, Medicaid does not serve as private medical insurance but rather as a government-funded program aimed at supporting individuals who are low-income or who have certain disabilities.