Healthcare is an urgent topic in our life, especially now with COVID-19 happening. During the pandemic, some people have lost their jobs, and healthcare is a problem.

As you may know, there are two government-run health programs, Medicare and Medicaid. Both programs are designed to help people to pay for healthcare costs.

Although these two terms sound similar, they are very different. To find the program that is right for you, you have to understand how these two programs work.

  1. What is Medicare and Medicaid and their eligibility?

Medicare

Medicaid

It is an insurance program funded by the federal government. Whatever your income, it mainly serves these people:

  • 65 and older
  • People who are under 65 with some certainty disabilities
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease

It is an assistant program funded by the federal and state governments. This program helps people who are:

  • Low-income adults
  • Children without parental support
  • Pregnant women

More information can be found here: States specific eligibility requirements

2. What are the coverages of Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare

Medicaid

It has four different parts that cover separate healthcare costs:

  • Part A: Hospitalization coverage. Covering hospital stays.
  • Part B: Medical Insurance. Covers outpatient hospital care, and doctor visits.
  • Part C: Medicare Advantage plans. Not only does it includes the coverages Part A and Part B, but also may include vision, dental, prescription benefits. You can also get a supplemental plan that adds on to parts A and B.
  • Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage.
Covers all ACA health benefits.
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3. What they cost?

Medicare

Medicaid

It depends on the coverage people choose. Costs may include premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medicare costs are reduced but are not free.It depends on people’s income and requirements in their states, and sometimes people need to pay a smaller amount of premium. You may also be subject to copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.

4. Can we have both two programs at the same time?

Yes! It is also called dual-eligibility. Who is qualified? There are two requirements:

  1. Those who are age 65 or older or meet the disability requirements for Medicare
  2. Those who meet financial requirements (depends on the state) for Medicaid.

For people who qualify as dual eligible, Medicare will be the primary form of coverage. Medicaid only needs to pay for out-of-pocket and non-covered expenses after Medicare pays its part of the claim.

If you have more questions, We Care Insurance will be glad to help you↓: