Medicare - Think "care" for elderly. So anyone 65+ Medicaid - Think "aid" for those that need financial assistance for health insurance.
Real answers for your healthcare questions
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Answer
Medicare is a federal health insurance program mainly based on age or certain disabilities, while Medicaid is a joint federal and state program mainly based on income and other eligibility factors. A person can qualify for one, the other, or both.
What to Know
Medicare has standardized federal parts such as Part A and Part B. Medicaid benefits and eligibility vary more by state and can include services that Medicare may not cover, such as certain long term care services. People who have both programs are often called dual eligible.
What to Do Next
If you think you may qualify for both, apply rather than choosing between them on your own. Medicaid can sometimes help with Medicare premiums and out of pocket costs for eligible individuals.
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