(in the US) the insurance system that provides medical care for poor people 医疗补助制度（美国政府向贫困者提供医疗保险） CultureMedicaid helps to pay the cost of doctors, dentists, hospitals, drugs, medicines and other items. It began in 1965, is operated by the individual states and is paid for by national, state and county governments.compare MedicareTopics Social issuesc2Word Origin1960s: from medical + aid.