Key Takeaways
- 1Medicare is federal; Medicaid is state and federal
- 2Medicare is based on age/disability; Medicaid is income-based
- 3Dual-eligible individuals qualify for both programs
- 4Special plans exist for dual-eligible beneficiaries
Medicare and Medicaid are both government health insurance programs, but they serve different populations and have different rules. Understanding the distinction is important for accessing the right benefits.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, regardless of income. It's also available to younger people with certain disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to people with limited income and resources. Each state runs its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines.
Dual Eligibility
Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. These 'dual-eligible' individuals may have access to special plans (D-SNPs) that coordinate benefits from both programs.
