US Medical Term · insurance
Medicaid Spend-Down
Spend-Down de Medicaid
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Medicaid Spend-Down |
| Spanish (Español) | Spend-Down de Medicaid |
| Chinese (中文) | 医疗补助自付减少 |
| Korean (한국어) | 메디케이드 지출 감소 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Giảm chi tiêu Medicaid |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Medicaid Spend-Down |
| Portuguese (Português) | Spend-Down do Medicaid |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การใช้จ่ายเพื่อคุณสมบัติ Medicaid |
| Japanese (日本語) | メディケイドスペンドダウン |
What it means
Medicaid spend-down is a pathway to Medicaid eligibility for individuals whose income exceeds normal limits but who have high medical expenses. By 'spending down' their income on medical bills to below the Medicaid income threshold, they become eligible for coverage. This is similar to a deductible — once the spend-down amount is met, Medicaid covers the remainder. Spend-down programs are available in some but not all states and primarily serve elderly and disabled individuals with high medical costs.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My income is above the Medicaid limit, but I can qualify through the spend-down process after paying medical bills.
Mis ingresos superan el límite de Medicaid, pero puedo calificar a través del proceso de gasto reducido después de pagar facturas médicas.
The caseworker explained how spend-down works and which medical expenses count toward the threshold.
La trabajadora social explicó cómo funciona el gasto reducido y qué gastos médicos cuentan hacia el límite.
Once I meet my spend-down amount for the month, Medicaid covers the rest of my medical costs.
Una vez que alcanzo mi cantidad de gasto reducido para el mes, Medicaid cubre el resto de mis costos médicos.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: medicaid and chipSources
Last reviewed: September 2026