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Are Medicare and Medicaid the same?

Introduction

Medicare and Medicaid are two of the most important federal health insurance programs in the United States. They provide coverage for millions of people, including seniors, people with disabilities, low-income children, and pregnant women. Both Medicare and Medicaid have income-based eligibility requirements, so you may be eligible for one or both depending on your income level and other factors.

Medicare is a federal program. Medicaid is a set of programs.

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to people 65 and older, people under 65 with disabilities, and some people of all ages with permanent kidney failure. Medicaid is a set of programs that provide health coverage to low-income individuals and families.


Medicare doesn’t cover everything. It helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays home health care services, prescription drugs, and more for seniors aged 65 or older who have paid into the system during their working years (age 50 to 64). Medicare does not pay for nursing home care unless you were in a skilled nursing facility for at least three days before going into the nursing home; some states allow Medicare to pay for some services in assisted living facilities. The costs of long-term care can be staggering—in 2018 the average annual cost was $71,000 per year—so it’s important that you understand how Medicare works before you need it!



Medicaid has different eligibility requirements in each state.

  • Medicare and Medicaid are two government programs that pay for health care for older adults and people with disabilities.

  • Both programs cover some of the same services, but not all services are covered by both. For example, Medicare does not cover long-term care or prescription drugs while Medicaid often does.

  • Medicaid is a federal program administered by individual states that sets eligibility requirements based on income limits as well as other factors such as age and disability status. In addition to covering many of the same benefits as Medicare, Medicaid also covers an additional set of benefits in each state: those that are not covered by Medicare (such as long-term care).

Medicare has income-based help with premiums and cost-sharing. Medicaid has income-based coverage.

Medicaid has income-based coverage, but it does not have any premium or cost sharing. Medicare premiums and cost-sharing are based on income, but there is a higher income limit than Medicaid. If you fall below the higher Medicare limit, then you get help with your premiums (like premium credits) and cost-sharing (like copayments or deductibles).

You can learn more about how much Medicare costs by visiting our website. If you have questions or need help understanding your benefits, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time or visit us at www.medicare.gov

Medicaid covers low-income children and pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors with limited assets.

Medicaid is a set of programs that provides health insurance coverage to millions of Americans. Medicaid eligibility has different requirements in each state, and the program covers low-income children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors with limited assets.


Medicaid is different from Medicare because it's administered by states rather than the federal government. In addition to being administered by states, Medicaid also differs from Medicare because it generally doesn't cover prescription drugs or routine eye care procedures like Lasik surgery or cataract-removal surgery.


Some people are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and others for one or the other.

Medicare is a federal program, but Medicaid is a set of programs that each state can establish its own eligibility requirements. In most cases, Medicaid has income-based coverage and Medicare offers premium and cost-sharing help based on income. However, some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.


Conclusion

Medicare and Medicaid are both government-run programs, but they’re not the same. Both have different eligibility requirements, and there are some people who qualify for both. If you think you may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, it’s important to speak with an insurance professional who can help you understand how each program works in your state (and if there are any limitations on either).



About Preferred Senior Benefits in Meridian, Idaho

Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals 65 years or older. Original Medicare coverage is broken into two parts - Part A and Part B - and is accepted by nearly every doctor and hospital in the country. Medicare Part A covers inpatient or hospital stays, while Part B covers outpatient or medical care. Together, Part A and B cover about 80% of the typical healthcare costs seniors face. This leaves a few significant gaps in coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans are policies designed to help extend coverage, lessen costs and ultimately give beneficiaries peace of mind. If you or someone you know would like more information about how to enroll in Original Medicare or one of the Medicare Advantage plans, call now to speak with a licensed agent (208) 818 2523. We cannot wait to help you learn about your options.


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