Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families.

Medicaid expansion refers to the provision in the Affordable Care Act that allows states to expand their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income individuals and families. This expansion extends coverage to those who may not have qualified under the previous eligibility criteria.

Expanding Medicaid can lead to increased access to healthcare for low-income individuals, reduced uncompensated care costs for hospitals, improved health outcomes, and economic benefits for states through federal funding. It also helps address health disparities and can lead to a healthier population overall.

Some critics argue that expanding Medicaid can lead to increased costs for states in the long run, as the federal government’s match rate may decrease over time. There are also concerns about potential strain on healthcare providers and the overall healthcare system, as more individuals gain coverage and seek care.