A program that helps pay for the medical care and nursing home care of persons who cannot pay for their care. The medical services that may be paid for by Medical Assistance (MA) include: - Physician care - Hospital care - Prescriptions - Eye care - Routine dental care - Mental health treatment - Chemical dependency care - Nursing home care - Reimbursement for medical transportation and other health care access services is available NOTE: Persons may be eligible only for MA, or they may also be eligible for one of the cash assistance programs, EMA, and/or Food Support services. Those who receive cash through MFIP or MSA will, with few exceptions, also receive MA. MA is different from Medicare.