Medicare and Medicaid are two different program and many confuse the two. Medicaid is governed by each state and it is a health and medical service program for families and individual with limited resources and income. Each state, however, has its own eligibility requirements, has its unique scope of services including type, amount and duration. The rates of payment for services and administration of medical program differs from one state to another.

Medicare on the other hand is a federal health insurance program. It is for elderly people, aged 65 and above. It pays for their medical care and hospital expenses. Lastly, it is for Americans who cannot work because they are permanently disabled and needs medical care and attention.

Medicaid covers disabled people who are below 65 as well as people who are over 65. It covers pregnant women and children below 19 years of age. You can apply for a Medicare health insurance at your local Social Security office while Medicaid application can be made at your state’s Medicaid agency.

Anyone can both apply for Medicare and Medicaid but not all are qualified. Those who qualify for both are those “dual eligible”. They can use their Medicaid to pay for their Medicare premiums.

Medicare consists of four specific programs A, B, C and D. It provides medical insurance and money to pay for hospital expenses and medications. It is a medical insurance garnered from people’s tax. It provides medical benefits for those who are enrolled in this government program. Even though Medicare is primarily for persons who are 65 and above, there is an exemption to this. People under 65 years of age are qualified for Medicare if they are disabled and had permanent kidney failure that needs regular dialyses or is in the need of a kidney transplant. Aside from the age requirement, a person must be a U.S. citizen or is a legal resident of the United States of America for 5 years and has at least 10 years of payment contribution to the Social Security System.

Medicaid is more specific in its requirements for eligibility. Since it is required to cover certain individuals, they are careful in selecting those who qualify. Certain income must be met and, certain disability and certain Medicare beneficiaries are screened. Other requirements are age, disability status and asset as well as citizenship. Payments are sent directly to health care providers of its members. These requirements should be met so the federal government can match its funds. It imposes copayment on some medical services, however, emergency services and family planning services are exempted.

Medicare and Medicaid are both government health insurance that helps its members pay for their medical bills. They just differ in guidelines and how they pay for your medical expense. It is important to know the difference of these two. You can benefit from them by knowing all the important information and know where the tax you pay to the government is going. Each and every people are entitled from these medical health programs as long as you are a tax paying citizen of the United States of America.

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