Most people are confused between Medicare and Medicaid. As they sound so much alike, it’s easy to get confused. It is important to keep in mind that both Medicare and Medicaid are programs offered by the government to help individuals pay for health care. However, that is the only similarity they share. Here is an easy to understand the table, that will educate you on the basic differences between Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare
Medicaid
Medicare is a federal health care program that is set up to help people who are 65 and above. And in some cases, people under 65, who suffer from End Stage Renal Disease, also known as ESRD, and ALS.
Medicare is a joint program launched by the Federal and State Government that helps certain families and people, who live on limited resources. There are a number of Medicaid programs that are designed to help such families.
Who Governs it?
The Medicare program is overlooked by the Federal Government.
Who Governs it?
The Medicaid program is overlooked by the State Governments.
What Does it Cover?
Medicare covers a variety of things, but it mostly depends on the package the individual choose. These are mostly skilled nursing facilities, and in a hospital care, Doctor visits, services as an outpatient, preventive care, prescription drugs, etc. These are covered in various plans such as A, B, C, and D. These can be combined to get various services, or just take on as one.
What Does it Cover?
Each state offers a different Medicaid program, and they all follow federal guidelines. The package contains both mandatory and optional benefits.
The Mandatory benefits are skilled nursing and hospital care, services, and facility. Care in a Federal facility, freestanding birth center, or rural health clinic. In addition, nurse, midwife, doctor, and other certified family nurse and certified pediatric.
What is the Cost?
The cost of the Medicare plan depends on the plan the individual has chosen, and the cost may even include premiums, copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. There are times when the individual has to cover out-of-pocket costs, again that depends on the plan you are using.
What is the Cost?
The overall cost will depend on the individual’s income, and the laws set by the state. The costs do include deductibles, premiums, copays, and coinsurance. There are a number of groups that are exempted from out of pocket costs.
How To Get Enrolled?
Every US citizen that is of age 65 years and above is offered a window where they can enroll themselves in a Medicare plan. This window has no restrictions, and your application will not be rejected no matter what your health status is.
How To Get Enrolled?
You will have to check the rules of your state and call a local Medicaid office to check if you are eligible.