A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

medical loss ratio

The ratio of money paid out by an insurer for claims, divided by premiums collected for a particular type of insurance policy. Low loss ratios indicate that a small proportion of premium dollars was paid out for benefits, while a high loss ratio indicates that a high...

Medical Savings Account

A health insurance option consisting of a high-deductible insurance policy coupled with a tax-preferred savings account. MSA policies, enacted in 1996, have been largely replaced by Health Savings Accounts. (See Health Savings Account.)

medically needy

An optional Medicaid category in which states can cover individuals and families who qualify for coverage because of high medical expenses, usually hospital or nursing home care. To qualify, individuals must be categorically eligible and their monthly incomes minus...