The main function of health insurance is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To pool the risks of healthcare costs. Health insurance pools resources from many individuals to spread the financial risk of healthcare expenses. This helps protect individuals from high medical costs. Option A is incorrect because health insurance does not make healthcare free; individuals still pay premiums and deductibles. Option B is incorrect because health insurance may not necessarily reduce total spending on healthcare, as it depends on various factors such as coverage and utilization. Option D is incorrect because not all aspects of health insurance are covered by the statement.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Acupuncture. Medicaid does not typically cover alternative treatments like acupuncture, as it mainly focuses on essential healthcare services. Long-term care (A), dental/eye care (B), and prescription drugs (C) are all services that Medicaid commonly covers to ensure individuals have access to necessary medical care. Acupuncture is considered a non-essential service and is not typically covered by Medicaid.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Medicaid enrollees, compared to privately insured individuals, generally have better perceived quality of care and access same-day appointments at a higher rate due to the coverage and resources provided by the Medicaid program. This is supported by research showing that Medicaid beneficiaries often rate their care as good or excellent and have improved access to timely appointments. Option A and B are incorrect because privately insured individuals do not typically have better perceived quality of care or higher rates of same-day appointments compared to Medicaid enrollees. Therefore, the correct answer is C as it accurately reflects the advantages Medicaid enrollees have over privately insured individuals.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Social Security is the largest federal program in terms of cost due to providing benefits to retirees, survivors, and disabled individuals. Step 2: Medicare is the second largest program, covering healthcare for seniors and certain disabled individuals. Step 3: Medicaid is the third largest program, providing healthcare to low-income individuals. Step 4: So, A is correct as Social Security > Medicare > Medicaid in terms of overall cost. Summary: B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct order of cost based on the magnitude of expenses incurred by each program.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 39. The rationale is as follows: 1. As of the latest information from CRS, 39 states have implemented Medicaid expansion or are pending implementation. 2. This number is the highest among the given choices. 3. States have the option to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leading to varying levels of implementation. 4. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the current status of Medicaid expansion as stated by CRS.