Definitions for "Categorically Needy"
A term that describes the group of individuals that states are generally required to cover under Medicaid in order to receive Federal funds. This group includes people who receive assistance through Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as well as other Federally assisted income maintenance payments.
Persons who are aged, blind, or disabled (as defined under the Supplemental Security Income program - SSI) or a member of a family with dependent children where one parent is absent, incapacitated or unemployed (as defined under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program - AFDC).
A classification of individuals and/or families who meet certain eligibility requirements allowing them to qualify for Medicaid or other Federal/State programs due to the "category" they fall into, e.g., low income families with children; aged, blind and disabled individuals; and the elderly who meet certain financial criteria. http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/eligibility/criteria.asp