Poverty and the Social Welfare Programs

Poverty and Economic Inequality
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Poverty and Economic Inequality
Poverty
Poverty is a social problem and a state that hinges on the economic disadvantage of an individual to acquire essentials for a minimum standard of living. In this regard, the individual prescribed as poor has a very low income to the extent they cannot afford necessities. Such families are likely to go for days without medical attention, healthy food, clean water, and proper housing (Chen, 2019). In most circumstances, poverty is defined from an economic perspective although there are other aspects such as social exclusion and capability. The former includes exclusion from cultural, civil, and political activities. Poverty from a capability viewpoint includes factors beyond income, consumption, and welfare. These include health and education because they are equally important in the future generation of income (Wagle, 2018). Conclusively, poverty is the inability to meet the necessities of life and in the worst circumstances, one could end up dying.
At the very least, this society demands that an individual have the ability to meet basic essentials, which include food, shelter, clothing, education, and health. Although the elements in the list will differ with individuals, I found it relatively easy to create one. It was easy because I can identify with the homeless who go for days without food. On the other hand, the fast-paced contemporary environment demands the articulation of the factors that are necessary for survival. Currently, education is a crucial aspect necessary to maneuver the current economic climate. On the other hand, a robust approach towards healthcare is a must with the present increase in complicated health problems.
Social Welfare Programs
Medicaid
Medicaid has been one of the most prevalent social welfare programs in the United States (US). The program is meant to offer health coverage to eligible low-income earning adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children. The program adheres to federal requirements but offered at the state level (Medicaid.gov, 2019). In 2019, it is estimated that about 65 million low-income adults received the services of this program. The greatest share went to 29.5 million children who accounted for 50%. Following closely were 19.5 million adults with most believed to be the parents of these kids. It is important to note that this program accounts for approximately 40% of the total births in the US. Medicaid is funded by both state and federal governments and is meant to improve the health level of the citizens. Considering the complicated process of giving birth, it is right to ascertain that Medicaid has come in handy. Otherwise, the expenses involved would have deterred many from accessing these services and hence, increased casualties.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This program is popularly known as food stamps. This food program “provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card” (Benefits.gov, n.d.). Authorities consider various variables before integrating people into the program although most of those who are eligible for the program come from n...