The Medicare & Medicaid Center

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) collectively make up a federal agency previously called the Health Care Financing Administration.  This agency works under the Department of Health and Human Services, or DHHS.  This agency partners with the governments of the States to administer the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in addition to Medicaid.  This agency is in charge of the Medicare program, which is available to citizens over 65 years of age.  Some citizens under 65 can also qualify for Medicare if they meet certain criteria. 

First, let’s take a look at Medicare in more depth.  As previously stated, Medicare is available to people 65 or older and those younger who meet specific qualifications.  Medicare is divided into two sections — Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, home healthcare, nursing home residency and hospice care.  Medicare Part B, on the other hand, covers outpatient doctor visits, certain types of medical equipment, and various preventative screenings.

Then there’s Medicaid.  Medicaid is state administered and is a medical coverage program for low income families.  Not everyone will qualify for Medicaid, even if they are low income.  You will need to check with your state to find out what the requirements are.  Medicaid is often awarded to pregnant women and children from low income families.  Disabled individuals may also be able to obtain Medicaid coverage.  Most of the time, people on Medicaid are responsible for a small co-payment when receiving medical services or prescription medications.

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program is unique in that it is for children who do not have any other means of medical coverage.  For example, certain families may make too much money to qualify for Medicaid yet cannot afford any other type of health insurance.  For these cases, the SCHIP steps in and gives the children medical coverage.  SCHIP covers various things such as annual checkups, sick child visits, diagnostic tests, inpatient and outpatient hospital stays, prescription medications and more.  You can learn more about this program, and the others mentioned in this article, from your state administration office.