“Means-tested programs” are programs for which only people with income or assets below some threshold are eligible.  “Social insurance programs” are programs in which people receive benefits or services in recognition of contributions made by them or on their behalf, and are typically associated to a history of work and earnings. The measure is constructed by summing the following indicators:

Means-Tested Programs:
Expenditures per Capita on Medicaid and CHIP
Expenditures per Capita on Supplemental Security Income
Expenditures per Capita on AFDC/TANF
Expenditures per Capita on the Federal EITC
Expenditures per Capita on Food Stamps/SNAP
Expenditures per Capita on Housing Aid
Expenditures per Capita on School Food Programs
Expenditures per Capita on the WIC Program
Expenditures per Capita on Head Start

Social Insurance Programs:
Expenditures per Capita on Medicare
Expenditures per Capita on Old-Age and Survivors Insurance
Expenditures per Capita on Unemployment Insurance
Expenditures per Capita on Workers’ Compensation
Expenditures per Capita on Disability Insurance