Final answer:
As of 2014, about one in five Americans, or 69.7 million people, were enrolled in Medicaid, with nearly half of them being children. The federal and state governments fund Medicaid, which primarily aids the poor and disabled.
Step-by-step explanation:
As of 2014, approximately 69.7 million people were enrolled in Medicaid, which roughly equates to one in every five Americans, given the U.S. population at that time. Nearly half of those enrolled in Medicaid are children, whereas expenditures are highest for the elderly, who comprise about 25% of participants. In terms of actual Medicaid spending, a significant portion goes to seniors and individuals who are blind or have disabilities, making up 64% of total spending. Notably, children are the largest group covered by Medicaid, but the expenditures on children account for only 21% of total Medicaid spending.
The Medicaid program was established in 1965 to assist poor and disabled Americans by covering medical expenses, with costs split between the federal government and the states. It remains a critical component of the healthcare safety net, ensuring that millions receive healthcare services they might otherwise not be able to afford.