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Medicaid is a federal and state health care program. Federal law establishes program eligibility requirements and sets service mandates. For instance, preventive health services and hospital care are two of the Medicaid mandates. States may choose to offer services that go beyond the minimums and cover optional recipient groups. The "optional" groups include 85 to 90 percent of nursing home residents, including those with Alzheimer's. Most long term care and services such as prescription drugs, eyeglasses and dental care are also provided as state options. Thus, when money is scarce, nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease and the "optional' services they receive may be vulnerable. Medicaid spending is the second fastest growing portion of state budgets. During a time of unprecedented revenue shortfalls and skyrocketing healthcare costs, states are asking for federal help. Medicaid is close to the breaking point in many states – called upon to do too much, for too many people, with too little money. This could have devastating effects for people with Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association calls on Congress and the President to maintain the Medicaid long term care safety net while expanding options and supports for family-centered home and community based care. This includes:
In this section, learn more about Medicaid and Alzheimer's issues, and how advocates are making a difference: 
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