Medicare vs Medicaid: What’s the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Many people have questions about Medicare and Medicaid including the question of what the differences are between the programs. There are some major differences between the two.
Medicare is funded by the federal government as an entitlement program, which mainly focuses on the older population. It is a social insurance program for individuals age 65 and over and it covers many individuals with disabilities. Medicare also covers individuals of all ages with end stage renal disease.
There are several parts to Medicare. Part A covers hospital bills, Part B covers medical insurance and Part D covers prescriptions.
Medicaid is different from Medicare in several ways. It is also an entitlement program, however, Medicaid is not funded only by federal government, there is a state component as well, and in some states, counties pay part of the cost.
Medicaid is based on need and social welfare, with eligibility based on income. If a person has limited income and/or financial resources, Medicaid covers a broader spectrum of services than Medicare does. It usually covers children, pregnant women, parents of eligible children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Though poverty is used to determine eligibility, a person must fall into one of the coverage groups in addition to being determined eligible due to being in poverty. Medicaid benefits are paid directly to the provider of services. In addition to covering individuals who meet financial requirements, in some states Medicaid covers individuals who cannot otherwise afford insurance.
Some individuals qualify for coverage by both programs.
14 Responses to Medicare vs Medicaid: What’s the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
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how can i get medicare
i got turned down for medicaid
thanks
My dad is in a nursing home. His medicare is running out and he will go on medicaid. Will he still have to pay medicare in case he goes in the hospital or will medicaid take care of that. Almost a hundred dollars comes out of his check for medicare.
Be 65 yrs old or have certain disabilities
My mother will be 65 in a few days and will be on medicare. She was on medicaid but received a letter stating that medicaid will no
longer pay for her prescriptions once medicare goes into effect.
My question is what drug plan does she need to be on in medicare that is comparable to medicaid?
Thanks
My parents are Russian immigrants. They will be US citisens in 6 months or so. They are 67 and 68 y.o. They are covered by Medicaid — which is a tremendous blessing! We are so thankful and appreciate what has been done for them in this country. My father has been fighting lung cancer for a year now. His treatments, Dr. visits, tests and medications are completely covered by Medicaid. Once they are naturalized they will qualify for Medicare. Will they have to choose between Medicare and Medicaid? They have not worked in US. My father worked just a few months and due to his health could not work any more. Will Medicare be as comprehensive in health care coverage as Medicaid? Who qualifies for both plans?
I would appreciate some input on these questions.
Thank you.
Marina.
Medicare is only available for those above the age of 60
We have an employee who just qualified for disabiity benefits b/c he is legally blind. He is 61 and lives in the state of Michigan. Would he be eligible for any additional benefits from Medicare or Medicaid?
My son receives Medicaid, including funds through the NOW and COMP waiver programs in Georgia which provide Community Access Services and Community Living Support. When I retire and take Social Security my son will no longer be eligible for Medicaid, although he will be eligible for Medicare. My question is, will my son still be eligible for the waiver programs that are important to his well being?
I am will be 63 years old in december 2010. I was laid off from the school system and my coverage thru them expired in June. I don’t have any insurance now. Do I qualify for medicaid?
I don’t have any insurance since I got laid off. I will be 63 in december. How can I get some help. I have type 2 diabetes and I have High blood pressure
Although I understand that Marina is grateful, doesn’t this make anyone else angry? She actually states that her parents never worked in the U.S. It’s appalling to me that millions of our own citizens, who were born here and have contributed to the work force and paid taxes all their lives get turned down for these services because they’re a fraction off from meeting some minute requirement. Where is our loyalty??? It”s Very Disturbing to me!
My mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s and we just placed her in an assisted living facility (apt like rooms in a memory care unit) which will consume all the money we have been able to save which we calculated will last about two years.
A.) She is from Mass. is on Medicare and we are told she makes about $100.00 too much with her SS to qualify for MassHealth , the insurance she has doesn’t cover long term health care.
B.) She has worked hard her entire life as did her husband and she doesn’t qualify for any help from the state she has lived in her entire life yet immigrants (and please don’t take this wrong, it’s not about them, it’s about our gov’t) are receiving coverage? Can someone please help me understand the logic???
My husband is retiring in Aug.2011 and he will 67 years in June this year,2011. My question is, because he has Medicare part A and will be getting the other parts because he’ll be eligiable for B&D when he retires. Now if medicare pays only 80% will he be able to get medicaid to help pay for the 20% Medicare does not pay for his Medical bills and Medications, because he won’t have no other insurance when he retires. He will be drop from his Employment insurance.
My mother in laws and Father in laws became an immegrant in 2005. However my father in law passed away in 2007. My mother in laws lived in with us. She doesn’t have any income. Can she get any Medicare or Medicaid help for her medical treatment?