Which group is considered Categorically Needy under Medicaid?

The group considered Categorically Needy under Medicaid primarily includes aged and disabled persons. This designation is rooted in the program's intent to provide assistance to those who are unable to work or require support due to age or disability. Medicaid is designed to help low-income individuals and families access necessary health care services, and those who are aged (typically individuals over 65) or who are disabled often face greater financial challenges in affording health care.

In addition to this, Medicaid covers various groups that qualify based on specific categorical criteria, making the inclusion of aged and disabled individuals essential for fulfilling the purpose of the program. This aspect of Medicaid helps to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the medical attention they need.

Other groups mentioned, such as individuals with private insurance and high-income families, do not fall into the Medicaid Categorically Needy category since they are generally not eligible for Medicaid based on their financial resources. Similarly, while persons under 18 with no health insurance may qualify for Medicaid coverage, this encompasses a broader group that includes low-income families, rather than distinctly categorizing them as "categorically needy" unless they fall into a specific supporting category.