True or False: Medicaid is considered the payer of last resort.

Medicaid being referred to as the "payer of last resort" means that it is primarily intended to provide health coverage for individuals who do not have access to other forms of insurance or financial assistance. When an individual qualifies for Medicaid, it is essential that they first utilize any other available insurance or payment sources before Medicaid can step in to cover medical expenses. This ensures that Medicaid funds are used efficiently and that individuals exhaust other benefits as a means to reduce overall healthcare costs.

The concept of Medicaid as the payer of last resort is foundational to the program's design and policy. It helps protect state and federal resources intended for low-income individuals by encouraging other insurers (like private insurance or Medicare) to pay first when possible. This positioning can help maximize available funds and ensure that Medicaid's resources are reserved for those truly needing financial assistance.

In contrast to other choices, which suggest varying degrees or conditions under which Medicaid may act as a secondary payer, stating it as universally a "payer of last resort" captures the essential and consistent nature of how Medicaid is intended to function across the United States.