Medicare and Medicaid are two different government-run healthcare programs in the United States. While both programs provide healthcare coverage for certain groups of people, there are some key differences between them.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that primarily covers people who are aged 65 or older, as well as some younger people with disabilities or certain medical conditions. Medicare is available to most U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have paid into the Social Security system for at least 10 years. Medicare is divided into several parts, including Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and families, including elderly people who meet certain income and asset requirements. Unlike Medicare, eligibility for Medicaid is based on income and assets, and it is available to people of all ages, not just those who are elderly or disabled. Each state has its own Medicaid program, which must follow certain federal guidelines, but can vary in terms of eligibility criteria, covered services, and cost-sharing requirements.
In summary, while both Medicare and Medicaid provide healthcare coverage, Medicare primarily serves elderly and disabled individuals, while Medicaid is geared towards low-income individuals and families, including the elderly.