What is medicare and medicaid

Your state may even have its own name for its Medicaid program. Medicare helps millions of American seniors and disabled individuals cover some of their health care costs. There are 4 different parts to Medicare. This helps give people more health care choices, so they can pick the health care plan that best meets their needs. Private insurance companies offer other types of Medicare plans with extra benefits that go beyond Original Medicare:.

Combines Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance in one plan that often includes prescription drug coverage too. Dual health plans are designed just for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare.

Dual health plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage. Plus, you could get more benefits than with Original Medicare. Dual health plans are also known as dual special needs plans. Being on a dual health plan does not change your Medicaid eligibility or benefits.

Please note that the specific benefits dual health plans include can change depending on where you live. Search by your ZIP code to find the right plan to meet your health care needs. View All Benefits Articles.

View All Enrollment Articles. Contact us at: TTY: 8 a. Hmm … it looks like your browser is out of date. Update Now. Find the plan you're looking for today. Search for plans by ZIP or state. Find Plans Find Plans. Eligible for Medicaid and Medicare?

Learn about Dual Eligible plans. Select your state. States A to - G Skip to. States H to - L Skip to. States M Skip to. States N to - R Skip to. States S to - W Skip to. The annual Medicare open enrollment period runs from Oct. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income Americans of all ages pay for the costs associated with medical and long-term custodial care.

Children who need low-cost care but whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, are covered through the Children's Health Insurance Program CHIP , which has its own set of rules and requirements. Supreme Court ruled that states are not required to participate in the expansion in order to continue receiving already established levels of Medicaid funding. Many states have chosen not to expand funding levels and eligibility requirements.

Those covered by Medicaid pay nothing for covered services. Unlike Medicare, which is available to nearly every American of 65 years and over, Medicaid has strict eligibility requirements that vary by state. However, because the program is designed to help the poor, many states require Medicaid recipients to have no more than a few thousand dollars in liquid assets in order to participate. There are also income restrictions.

For a state-by-state breakdown of eligibility requirements, visit Medicaid. When Medicaid recipients reach age 65, they remain eligible for Medicaid and also become eligible for Medicare.

At that time, Medicaid coverage may change, based on the recipient's income. Higher-income individuals may find that Medicaid pays their Medicare Part B premiums. Lower-income individuals may continue to receive full benefits. Medicaid benefits vary by state, but the Federal government mandates coverage for a variety of services, including:. Each state also has the option of including additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, optometrist services, eyeglasses, medical transportation, physical therapy, prosthetic devices, and dental services.

Medicaid is also often used to fund long-term care , which is not covered by Medicare or by most private health insurance policies. In fact, Medicaid is the nation's largest single source of long-term care funding, which often covers the cost of nursing facilities for those who deplete their savings to pay for healthcare and have no other means to pay for nursing care.

Medicare is available to individuals based on age or disability. If your eligibility depends on age, you'll have access to the program once you turn Medicaid is designed for individuals in low-income situations, or other special circumstances.

Not everyone qualifies for Medicaid. If your income falls below the poverty level, determined by your state, you might qualify. There are also a number of mandatory eligibility groups, including some pregnant women and children and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income.

It increases healthcare flexibility, like covering more telehealth services. Get ready! Accessed Nov. Supreme Court. Sebelius, U. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Investopedia. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

Medicare Medicare is an insurance program. Medicaid Medicaid is an assistance program. Posted in: Medicare and Medicaid. Related Questions What is the Medicaid program?

Who is eligible for Medicaid? Who is eligible for Medicare? How do I enroll in Medicare? What are the Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates? Connect With Us.