Medicaid vs. Medicare

Medicaid and Medicare are two very different programs. Both are health insurance, but they cover different kinds of people. Also, Medicaid is a state governed program and Medicare is a federal program. Here are the major differences in coverage:

Medicaid covers low-income people that are:

• Pregnant women,
• Children under the age of 19,
• People 65 and over,
• People who are blind,
• People who are disabled, or
• People who need nursing home care

Medicare is for:

• People 65 and over
• People of any age who have kidney failure or long term kidney disease
• People who are permanently disabled and cannot work

To apply for Medicaid, visit your local health and human services office (find an office by clicking here and going to "find an office") or by applying online here. To apply for Medicare, visit your local social security office. 

It is possible to qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. People who do are called "dual eligible". Often, Medicaid can cover Medicare premiums.