The words “Medicaid” & “Medicare” sound so similar that it is easy for people to get confused. So, what is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? This is something I am going to explain you clearly in this article. Read on.
Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid
Before I spot out the differences, let me give you a quick introduction as to what these terms actually are.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is an insurance program, which offers medical care for citizens over 65-years. The medical bills of senior citizens are paid from the government funds. It also covers seniors with some disabilities. You can avail this program regardless of your income (but you have to be above 65-years). It has 4 parts
- PART-A: Hospitalization Coverage
- PART-B: Medical Insurance
- PART-C: Privately Bought Supplemental Insurance, Which Offers Additional Services
- PART-D: Prescription Drug Coverage
It is not completely free. It is just that patients get the facility to pay less. The Federal Government offers it and their regulations are same in US.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is yet another financial support program offered by the government for people with low income. It is based on the needs & social welfare. You will be eligible to avail this program only with the kind of income you have. If your income is extremely low then without doubt, all your medical bills will be paid from state, local and federal tax funds. This scheme is applicable for all age groups but the only thing is you need to have low income. Federal and state government runs it jointly.
I hope you have now got an idea as to what these 2 terms are. Now coming back to your question what is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare, here is the answer. I will give the information in the form of table so that you’ll clearly know.
Table: What Is The Difference Between Medicare And Medicaid?
| Medicare | Medicaid | |
| Meaning & Governance | It is an insurance scheme or program run by Federal Government | It is an insurance scheme or program jointly run by Federal & State Government |
|
Accessibility |
Senior citizens, who are above 65Citizens, who are below 65 but have certain disabilities Citizens of any age group but with ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) | Families or individuals with very limited or low income & resources |
|
Coverage |
Part-A: Health care services as an inpatient in the hospital. Professional nurses (whomever completed accelerated nursing programs) take care of you.Part-B: Doctors offer their care & service as an outpatient.Part-C: Combination of both Part-A & Part-B
Part-D: Drug Coverage |
Every state crates own Medicaid schemes. The benefits include Health care services received from skilled registered nurses and doctors.The care is received in qualified health clinic
|
| Cost | Depends on the kind of coverage you select | Depends on the state rules and income especially |
| Contact | As soon as the citizens turn 65, they’re automatically enrolled to Part-A & Part-B. You can even contact local social security office for further details | Since it depends entirely on your income and state rules, you’ll have to contact your local Medicaid office to know if you qualify
|
I hope you are now clear as to what is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. If you wish to tell us something, feel free to drop them in the comments section.
