Medicaid Vs Medicare Whats The Difference
Medicare and Medicaid have the same parent agency: the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
As you might already know, Medicare is a government health insurance program. Its mainly for people aged 65 or older, but some people qualify by disability before age 65. Original Medicare is made up of Medicare Part A and Part B .
Medicaid is also a government health insurance program, but those who qualify generally have low incomes or disabilities, and dont have to be over 65 years old. Medicaid is administered by the states, but must follow certain federal rules.
Q What Medical Services Does Medicaid Cover
A. The Delaware Medicaid program pays for many medical services to keep you healthy and to treat you when you are sick. The major services are:
- Prescriptions
- Inpatient and Outpatient hospital care
- Lab tests
- Dental care
Covered services for the Delaware Healthy Children Program are listed on the DHCP Benefits page.
Is Medicare The Same Thing As Medicaid
Although they sound similar, Medicare and Medicaid are not the same. The only similarity is that both government programs help cover healthcare costs for Americans.
Medicaid is designed for people that fall into a certain income bracket, while Medicare is for people over the age of 65 or for those that have been on disability for two years, explains Grant Dodge, a broker at Health Benefits Associates Inc., in Reno, Nevada.
Medicaid does not have an age requirement, so adults of all ages and dependent children can enroll. In 2021, there were 75.4 million people covered with Medicaid. Medicaid plans are administered by the states but funded jointly by the state and federal government.
Medicare is a federal program managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services . The Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment and premium payments. It has an age requirement unless youve been on disability for 24 months or have specific medical conditions. Once you have both parts of Medicare from the federal government , you can sign up for additional coverage with private insurance carriers to fill in the gaps of Medicare, explains Dodge.
Recommended Reading: What Age Qualifies You For Medicare
What Is Medicare What Is Medicaid
Medicare is a federal program generally for people who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability or medical condition. Medicare Part A and Part B are provided by the federal government, and Medicare Part C and Part D, while federally governed, are provided by private insurance companies.
Medicaid is a state government program that helps pay health care costs for people with limited income and resources, and different programs exist for specific populations. Medicaid plans vary from state-to-state but follow federal guidelines for benefits.
Are Medicare And Medicaid Free
You can get premium-free Part A of Medicare at 65 if you already get retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, are eligible to get Social Security or Railroad benefits but have not filed for them yet, or you or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.
If you’re under 65, you can get premium-free Part A if you got Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months or if you have End-Stage Renal Disease and meet certain requirements.
Medicaid can be free depending on a persons income status.
Also Check: What Is The Annual Deductible For Medicare
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Basic Definition Of Medicaid
Medicaid is another health coverage program that is funded by both the states and the federal government.
Unlike Medicare, which is limited to mainly the elderly population, Medicaid offers health insurance to:
- Low-income adults
- Preventative Care
- Child Dental Care
The purpose of this program is to allow those with low annual income access to quality medical care.
Also Check: Do You Have To Apply For Medicare
Additional Ways To Get Help With Medicare Costs
If you are not considered low income and therefore not eligible for Medicaid, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan also known as Part C. When you opt for Part C, a private carrier pays for your health care instead of Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans all come with their own cost-sharing. A rule of thumb: the lower your monthly premium, the higher your cost-sharing. You still need to set aside extra funds to cover your medical costs in order to protect your retirement savings.
The other option to help cover cost-sharing is to enroll in a Medigap plan. Medigap plans come with a monthly premium, but they cover significantly more than a Medicare Advantage plan. They also do not have all the limitations Medicare Advantage plans come with.
Did You Know: To learn more about the differences between these types of coverage, read my guide: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap.
Medicare Gives Many Options
Medicare offers a wealth of choices. Once you decide whether you want a Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare plus Part D, youre able to narrow your focus and select the best Medicare plan for you.
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs can vary greatly, so make sure you compare each cost.
Medicaid, on the other hand, will likely give you one or very few choices. That plan could be through the state, or it could be a managed care plan offered by a private insurer.
Differences arent just between Medicare and Medicaid. The different types of Medicare plans also vary. Heres how Medicare and Medicaid plans compare:
Read Also: Does Medicare Cover Rides To The Doctor
Whats The Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid
First, lets take a look at the foundation of the programs themselves. Medicare is a Federally funded program that is intended to provide health insurance coverage for individuals 65 and older, younger disabled persons, and people receiving dialysis treatment. The history behind the program shows that most people receive their health care coverage through their employment, and upon retirement, people were unable to get quality coverage on their own. Hence, Medicare was founded to help bridge this gap and provide coverage for those individuals. The same applies to people with disabilities who were no longer able to work.
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a program that is funded jointly between the Federal government and individual states. So, when people ask How is Medicaid funded, the answer is that both the federal and state governments pay toward Medicaid funding. Individual states are able to set their own Medicaid rules, but there are some common themes across all states. Overall, Medicaids purpose is to help provide healthcare for individuals and families who have a financial need, regardless of age. This is in contract to Medicare, which helps older individuals regardless of income level. Lets dig a little deeper into the eligibility requirements for each program.
Find Cheap Medicare Plans In Your Area
In the United States, there are currently two government-provided health insurance policies that citizens can enroll in: Medicare and Medicaid. While they both provide general health insurance benefits, there are differences in eligibility and coverage that are crucial to identify and be aware of the largest being that Medicare is available to adults who are over 65 years old whereas Medicaid is only available to low-income families.
Recommended Reading: Is Silver Sneakers Part Of Medicare
How Is Medicaid Funded
Medicaid is funded by the federal government in conjunction with all fifty individual states.
Therefore, unlike Medicare , Medicaid programs differ from one state to another, since the states have control over some aspects of the program.
Medicaid is an entitlement program. This means that anyone who meets eligibility rules has a right to enroll in coverage.
It also means that states have guaranteed federal financial support for part of the cost of their programs.
Disability Can Make You Dual Eligible
You could be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid if youre on disability:
- Youre eligible for Medicare if youre on Social Security Disability insurance . However, you have to receive two years worth of SSDI payments before becoming eligible.
- Youre eligible for Medicaid if youre approved for Supplemental Security Income . Theres no waiting period, so you can get Medicaid immediately.
Also Check: How Much Does Medicare Part A And B Cover
Does Medicare Cover Long
Medicare Part A provides coverage for 100 days of long-term care in a Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility if it immediately follows a minimum of a three-day hospital stay for those that meet the eligibility requirements.
Medicare doesnt cover custodial care, room and board, food, assistance with daily living activities, nonemergency transportation or any other nonmedical costs related to assisted living. Medicare does cover any health services the senior would otherwise receive in any residential setting, including exams, medications and medical equipment covered by Medicare Part B.
Contact Turning 65 Solutions Today
Turning 65 Solutions gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision on affordable health plans. We eliminate all the confusion and the anxiety that can come with it so that you can be assured that you have the best plan that works for you. Call us today at 830-217-6711 for more information about how you can get Medicare and Medicaid.
Also Check: How Much Does Medicare Pay For Hospice
Medicare And Medicaid Dual Eligibility
When youre dual eligible, Medicare is primary and Medicaid is secondary. Basically, Medicaid fills in the coverage gaps the way a Medigap plan does. When youre dual eligible, you also may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program.
When you have Medicare, Medicaid, and a Medicare Savings Program, you have full health-care coverage for which you pay nothing out of pocket.
Pro Tip: Medicare generally wont pay for most coverage related to vision and dental work. To learn more, read my guides: Does Medicare Cover Dental? and Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Can You Have Both
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are considered dual eligible. In this case, you may have original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan , and Medicare will cover your prescription drugs under Part D.
Medicaid may also cover other care and drugs that Medicare doesnt, so having both will probably cover most of your healthcare costs.
Read Also: What Does Medicare Part B Include
Important Difference Between Medicare Medicaid And Masshealth
As you can see, the options and coverages can vary but are typically quite extensive. So, what is the most important difference between Medicare, Medicaid and MassHealth? Some things you should evaluate are copays, deductibles, and caps/limitations for these programs. For instance, Medicare will cover a stay in a rehabilitation center for up to 100 days whereas Medicaid would cover long term care if you meet the eligibility requirements. Some pre-planning may be required to improve your chances of qualifying for Medicaid. Contact us to learn more about Massachusetts Medicaid Planning.
What Is The History Of Medicare And How Has The Program Changed Over Time
Medicare and Medicaid were established on , when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill into law establishing both programs. Originally, Medicare had two parts: Part A for hospital insurance and Part B for medical insurance.
At first, Medicare was only available to those 65 and older. The Social Security Amendments of 1972 expanded Medicare to cover the disabled, and people with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.
The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act expanded Medicare again in 2003 to include prescription drug coverage. The new optional drug benefit, known as Medicare Part D, went into effect in 2006.
The 2003 law also made the biggest changes to Medicare in 38 years. Under it, private health plans approved by Medicare were added as Medicare Advantage Plans, which are also known as Part C or MA Plans.
About 61 million people were enrolled in Medicare in 2019.
Recommended Reading: What Medications Are Covered By Medicare
The Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid
If youve ever wondered what the difference is between Medicare and Medicaid, youre certainly not alone. Its one of the most common questions we hear from patients.
While they may sound similar, there are many differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Lets break down the essential details about each plan and how they differ in who or what they cover.
Qualifying For Both Medicare And Medicaid
Some seniors rely on Medicaid as well as Medicare benefits. In these cases, Medicaid helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for things that arent covered by Medicare, such as some personal care and nursing home care.
Medicare typically pays first for services that are covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. Medicaid can then help the beneficiary pay for costs like Medicare deductibles, coinsurance or copays.
Medicaid beneficiaries automatically qualify for Medicare Extra Help, which is a program that helps pay for Medicare prescription drug costs and makes prescription drugs much more affordable for beneficiaries. Medicaid also covers some prescription drugs that Medicare doesnt cover.
If someone is eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, they are sometimes referred to as dual-eligible.
Also Check: Who Can Get Medicare Part D
Unitedhealthcare Senior Care Options Plan
UnitedHealthcare SCO is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plans contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is a voluntary program that is available to anyone 65 and older who qualifies for MassHealth Standard and Original Medicare. If you have MassHealth Standard, but you do not qualify for Original Medicare, you may still be eligible to enroll in our MassHealth Senior Care Option plan and receive all of your MassHealth benefits through our SCO program.
Can I Be Enrolled In Medicare And Medicaid At The Same Time
Q: Can I be enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
A: In many cases, yes. Some Americans qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, and when this happens, it usually means they dont have any out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Beneficiaries with Medicare and Medicaid are known as dual eligibles and account for about 20 percent of Medicare beneficiaries . Dual eligibles are categorized based on whether they receive partial or full Medicaid benefits.
Full-benefit dual eligibles have comprehensive Medicaid coverage, while partial benefit dual eligibles receive help with Medicares premiums and cost sharing through a Medicare Savings Program .
The federal government oversees Medicare eligibility meaning it is the same in each state. But states set their own eligibility rules for Medicaid and the MSPs and income limits for these programs vary widely.
Recommended Reading: Does Medicare Pay For Eyeglasses For Diabetics
How Do I Know If I Have Medicare
Since Medicare is a national program, all Medicare insurance cards look the same. Heres an example:
People with Medicare Advantage will have two insurance cards: One for traditional Medicare, and one for their Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage cards will look different from each other, depending on the plan.
Q Where Do I Go To Apply For Medicaid
A. There are several ways to apply for Medicaid and other medical assistance programs:
- On the internet, you can use ASSIST to check your eligibility for several different assistance programs by completing a self-screening questionnaire. ASSIST then allows you to apply online.
- You may also print an Application for Health Insurance/Medicaid. The application form is also available in Spanish/en Español.
- By phone, you can contact Medicaid Customer Relations at 1-800-372-2022 or 255-9500 to be directed to the Division of Social Services office closest to where you live. DSS staff members will help you find out more about eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs. Then the appropriate information and application forms will be mailed to you. Complete, sign and date the application form in ink and mail it to the address provided.
- For Long Term Care applications, please call the Long Term Care Medicaid Unit listed for the county where you live.
Recommended Reading: What Does Medicare Cost Me
How Is Medicare Funded
Medicare is an insurance program. The program is funded through trust funds that those who are covered by the program have paid into.
It serves people over 65 primarily, whatever their income and serves younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage.
Can You Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Plan With Medicaid
Many people prefer Medicare Advantage plans as a way to get their Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage is a program that lets you get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through a private, Medicare-approved insurance company. Many plans have extra benefits, too, like prescription drug coverage and routine dental care.
You might be able to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when youre on Medicaid. For example, there are some Medicare Advantage plans called Special Needs Plans .
There are several types of SNPs. One of them is specifically tailored for dual-eligibles. Its sometimes called a D-SNP. However, be aware that D-SNPs might not be available in your area.
If you want to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when youre on Medicaid, you can:
- Contact eHealth to see if there are plans in your area you can get if youre on Medicare with Medicaid.
- Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program . You can visit https://www.shiptacenter.org/.
Please note that your Medicare Part B premium still applies when you have a Medicare Advantage plan. If youre dual-eligible, Medicaid might pay the Part B premium.
To find Medicare Advantage plans in your vicinity, you can start anytime by clicking the Browse Plans button on this page.
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Also Check: How Old To Be Covered By Medicare
