Final answer:
Medicaid is a significant federal program administered by states, providing health insurance to the disabled and low-income individuals. Managed care programs in Texas Medicaid are crucial for the program's sustainability, adapting to changes like work requirements introduced during the Trump administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicaid, established in 1965 as part of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society, has become an essential part of the healthcare system in the United States. This federal program is administered by the states and provides health insurance to various populations, including the disabled, low-income Americans, families with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Each state is responsible for determining its program's level of benefits and eligibility requirements, leading to variability in Medicaid services across the country. Given the financial strain on state budgets—second only to education—due to the rising healthcare costs, managed care programs in Texas Medicaid are critical for maintaining the sustainability of the program. The importance of managed care programs has been amplified by policy adjustments, such as those implemented during the Trump administration, which introduced work requirements for certain participants.