Medicaid is a public health insurance program in the United States that offers coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Established in 1965, it is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, with states administering their own programs under federal guidelines. Medicaid plays a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system, serving as a safety net for millions and influencing healthcare policy and spending.