Is it Medicare or Medicaid?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2021
A lot of people have a difficult time understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Both programs begin with the letter “M.” They’re both health insurance programs run by the government. People often ask questions about what Medicare and Medicaid are, what services they cover, and who administers the programs.
Let’s start with Medicare. Medicare is the earned-benefit program for Americans aged 65 or older or disabled. Workers pay into Medicare throughout their working years. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the agency in charge of both Medicare and Medicaid, but you sign up for Medicare A (Hospital) and Medicare B (Medical) through Social Security.
You can apply for Medicare online from the convenience of your home on our Medicare Benefits page. If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 65 or are in the 25th month of receiving disability checks, we will enroll you automatically.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug) plans are available for purchase in the insurance marketplace. Social Security administers a program called Extra Help to help people with low income and low resources pay for premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance costs for Part D plans. You can find out more about Extra Help and file for it on our Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs page. Each year, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes Medicare and You available online at their website. This publication is a user’s manual for Medicare.
Each state runs its own Medicaid program under guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid offers care for the most vulnerable among us. While it does not require paying taxes while working, it does have guidelines about how much income and resources you can have to qualify. Medicaid provides coverage for older people, people with disabilities, and some families with children. Each state has its own eligibility rules and decides which services to cover. The names of the Medicaid program may vary from state to state. You can read about each state’s Medicaid program on their State Overviews page. You can find each state’s Medicaid contact information on the Contact Your State With Questions page.
Medicare and Medicaid are two of the major insurance programs that provide healthcare to the American public. Understanding each program, as well as how the two programs differ, can help you and those you care about find the right healthcare program.
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Tags: Disability, Medicaid, Medicare
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Mark M.
I never knew that you could actually get money from the government for your funeral. My mother told me that she is worried that she is going to pass away soon, and she also told me that she doesn’t have any money for a funeral. I will be sure to tell her that she can try and get some money for her funeral from Medicaid. http://www.seniorsolutionsofli.com/
Rachel F.
Thanks for the great article clarifying the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. I didn’t really know which one was which but I appreciated that you mentioned Medicare is for people 65 years old and older. My mom is nearing this age and I will have to let her know about this option as she’s been wondering what to do for health insurance once she retires. https://myseniorhealthplan.com/medicare-plans/how-to-get-medicare/
Paul G.
I am Happy I found this article. I really struggle to find good information, but this is great. There are so many people in my situation that you can’t call for help, you sit on the phone for over an hour sometimes and then they transfer you and you get dropped and start the process all over or just give up.
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David
I don’t know who’s idea it was to force people to take this medicare / medicade, medical is a good idea. but when it hurts people trying to keep a roof over there heads it becomes bad, the income I had coming in paid my rent 1.130.00 per month with 2.00 left over. what would you do ? I prefer a roof over a cardboard box any day..
R.F.
David, visit the Medicare website to learn about programs available to assist people with low income to pay for Medicare expenses.
Many states also have programs to help with Medicare payments. You can find out about them by calling your State Medical Assistance Office. To get the local phone number, call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY, 1-877-486-2048). Thanks!
Michael
My wife is a home maker, a U.S. Citizen and does not work. I have worked my entire life and would like to retire soon. Will my wife be eligible for Medicare when she turns 65?
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Michael. Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be able to get benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving or eligible for retirement or disability benefits. Your spouse can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.
See Benefits For Your Family for more information.
Our Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law. Happy planning, Sir!
Kaye A.
I receive retiree health benefits from a previous employer. I’m required to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B as soon as I’m eligible or lose my retiree health benefits. I’ll be 65 in 1.5 years. How much are the monthly premiums on Medicare Parts A and B?
R.F.
Hello Kaye. Generally, people age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A at no cost. The standard Part B monthly-premium amount in 2018 is $134 (or higher depending on your income).
Learn more at http://www.medicare.gov. Thanks!
Eugene S.
i am 74 yrs. old and have many health issues. 2 herniated disc, 1 deteriating disc, disabling arthritis, 4 time cancer survivor, neck issues, balance issues, leg issues but because my income is too high, $1133.00 a month so i was put on a spenddown of almost $800.00 which of course i can’t afford. i have no means of transportation and have to depend on my neighbor to at least get to the store. is there any way i can be eligable for full medicaid???
R.F.
Hello Eugene. Some individuals may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. Or you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
We hope this information helps!
ANN B.
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