Medicare and Medicaid: What’s the difference?

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate health insurance programs. Each serves a specific group of people:

• Medicare is for people 65 years old and older. It is a federal health insurance program.

Medicare helps pay for hospitalization, visits to the doctor, some medications and medical equipment and limited short term nursing home care.

Some disabled people under age 65, and some people with kidney disease, also receive Medicare insurance.

• Medicaid is for low income individuals and families, regardless of age. It is a state run health insurance program.

Medicaid pays for hospitalization, visits to the doctor, some medications and medical equipment and long-term care, either in a health facility or at home.

Some people 65 years and older may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. These people are referred to as “dually eligible”.