If you have health insurance and it is called something like Turquoise Care, Healthy Connections, or Apple Health, you might think you are covered by a private plan. But here is the truth—your insurance might actually be Medicaid, just under a different name.
More and more states are renaming their Medicaid programs, and it is leaving a lot of people confused. You are not alone if you had no idea.
What is Medicaid, and why does it matter?
Medicaid is government-funded health insurance for people with low incomes. It is paid for by both the federal and state governments, and it helps more than 1 in 5 Americans get the medical care they need.
But here are a few things you need to know about Medicaid:
- Medicaid looks different in every state.
- Many states hire private insurance companies to run Medicaid programs.
- The insurance card you get might say Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare, not Medicaid.
This is where it gets confusing. You might think you have a private plan when you are actually on Medicaid.
Why do states change the name of Medicaid?
Some states change the name of Medicaid to make it feel less like a government benefit and more like regular health insurance.
Here are a few reasons states do this:
- To reduce stigma: Some people feel embarrassed about being on Medicaid. Using a new name can make it feel more “normal.”
- To gain political support: In more conservative states, leaders may not want to appear as if they are expanding a government program. A new name can help get support.
- To build local identity: States often use local nicknames or mascots. For example:
- Wisconsin: BadgerCare
- Oklahoma: SoonerCare
- Washington: Apple Health
- Arizona: AHCCCS (pronounced “access”)
- California: Medi-Cal
- South Carolina: Healthy Connections
- Wisconsin: BadgerCare
As Jennifer Tolbert, a health policy expert, explained: “States want names that are unique to them.”
How private insurance companies are involved
Here is another thing that makes it tricky—your Medicaid might be managed by a big-name private insurer.
Let’s look at New Mexico as an example:
- Their Medicaid program is called Turquoise Care.
- But when you get your insurance card, it may say:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare
- Molina Healthcare
- Presbyterian Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
So when you look at the card, you may think, “This must be private insurance.” But it is actually Medicaid. The state just pays these companies to manage the coverage.
According to Arika Sanchez from the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, “Sometimes people who are on Medicaid do not even realize it because it has different names in different states.”
How this confusion affects you
You may wonder, “So what? Why does it matter if I do not know it’s Medicaid?”
Here is why it matters:
- You might not know your rights: Medicaid often has special benefits that private insurance does not offer. If you do not know you are on Medicaid, you might miss out.
- You may be surprised by policy changes: Medicaid rules can change based on new laws. If you think you are on a private plan, you might not realize these changes apply to you.
- You could face different paperwork or rules: Medicaid sometimes requires things like income checks or work requirements. If you do not realize you are on Medicaid, you could miss deadlines or lose coverage.
Which states have confusing names for Medicaid?
Here are just a few examples of states that renamed their Medicaid programs:
- Indiana: Healthy Indiana Plan
- Georgia: Pathways to Coverage (includes work requirements)
- South Carolina: Healthy Connections
- New Mexico: Turquoise Care
- California: Medi-Cal
- Washington: Apple Health
- Wisconsin: BadgerCare
- Arizona: AHCCCS
In total, 42 states have turned to private companies to help manage their Medicaid plans. That is a lot of potential for confusion.
What can you do if you are unsure?
If you are not sure what kind of insurance you have, here are a few steps you can take:
- Check your insurance card – Look for terms like “Community Plan” or the name of a state program.
- Call your provider – Ask directly: “Is this a Medicaid plan?”
- Visit your state’s Medicaid website – They often list the program names and what they mean.
It is okay to ask questions. Understanding what kind of health insurance you have helps you make better choices—and avoid surprises.
Related article:
Will I still get Medicaid and Medicare coverage or are affected Trump’s federal funding freeze?
