nd for individuals with low incomes who are elderly or disabled. Medicaid also covers those who can afford to pay for their cost of living however cannot afford medical bills. Medicaid usually includes doctor's visits and nursing home care. Most funding comes from the federal government, and the rest is supplied by the state. Each state runs their own Medicaid program. In 1994 Medicaid covered 34 million people, or about 12 percent of the total U.S. population and 46.2 percent of America's poor. The cost of the program has grown faster than the rate of inflation and was estimated to be $143.9 million in 1994. (Encarta) Another major welfare program is Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). This program provides monetary aid to parents and children who are in need of economic assistance due to the death, continued absence, or the inability of the primary wage earner to earn an income. Woman head about 80 percent of the families on AFDC. It also pays benefits to two-parent families if both parents are unemployed. Most of the funding for the AFDC comes from the federal government, and the states provide the rest of the money. In 1996 7.9 million children, almost 13 percent of all children, and about 3.9 million adults received help from AFDC in any given month. (Encarta) Most people on welfare receive more than just monetary support. All AFDC families are eligible for Medicaid health care support; and about 90 percent have received food stamps, vouchers with which they can purchase only food. Also, almost one-fourth have received housing assistance or live in public housing. Sadly, however, only 15 percent have been actively involved in programs to help them find work. (World Almanac) Adults with disabilities or who are not able to work because of age can receive monetary support through Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI pr
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