Medicaid does not have one universal name across all U.S. states; it is a federal-state partnership, and many states use unique names to rebrand the program and reduce stigma, though it is still Medicaid. While some states simply call it "Medicaid," others use names like Medi-Cal (California), TennCare (Tennessee), or Health First Colorado.
In all states, Medicaid provides coverage for low-income people, including families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Some states expanded their Medicaid program to cover adults below a certain income level. Learn more about Medicaid expansion and what it means for you.
Ten states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—have not expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act to individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
In Texas, Medicaid is primarily known by names like STAR, STAR Health, STAR Kids, and STAR+PLUS, which are managed care programs for different groups, but it's all part of the state's Medicaid system managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Most Texans get their Medicaid benefits through these specific managed care health plans, not traditional fee-for-service.
Medi-Cal is the name for the Federal Medicaid Program in California. If you have limited income, the Medi-Cal Program provides comprehensive health coverage to you and your family for free or low-cost.
Alabama: Alabama Medicaid
Alabama's Medicaid program is called Alabama Medicaid.
The worst, in order from 50th to 41st, are in Mississippi, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Indiana, South Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Missouri.
Medicaid rebranding motivated by stigma and politics
Many states rename Medicaid plans to avoid the stigma people might associate with a government-provided health program.
Eligibility rules differ between states. In states that have expanded Medicaid coverage: You can qualify based on your income alone. If your household income is below 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you qualify.
The most common reason an applicant is denied Medicaid is income or assets above the eligibility criteria. In most states in 2026, an applicant's monthly income must be less than $2,982/month, and their assets (including money in bank accounts) must be less than $2,000.
Medicaid alternatives often involve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for subsidies and low-cost plans, CHIP for children and pregnant individuals, employer-sponsored plans, or specialized options like Direct Primary Care (DPC) or Basic Health Programs, providing coverage for those above Medicaid income thresholds or seeking different care models. The key is finding coverage through programs like the ACA Marketplace if you lose Medicaid, getting CHIP for kids, or exploring employer/DPC options.
Medicaid typically covers low-income children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, though eligibility varies by state, with many states expanding coverage to more low-income adults. It's a joint federal-state program providing free or low-cost health coverage for millions, acting as the largest source of health coverage in the U.S..
Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults under 65 who aren't disabled or raising a child are ineligible for Medicaid regardless of how low their income is.
Best-rated Medicaid plans of 2025: