Health care for the poor: Medicaid at 35.

Over its 35-year history, Medicaid has grown from a program to provide health insurance to the welfare population to one that provides health and long-term care (LTC) services to 40 million low-income families and elderly and disabled individuals. Despite its accomplishments in improving access to health care for low-income populations, Medicaid continues to face many challenges. The future of Medicaid as our Nation's health care safety net will be determined by Medicaid's ability to broaden health coverage for the low-income uninsured, secure access to quality care for its growing beneficiary population, and manage costs between the Federal and State governments.