You can have both.
Medicare and Medicaid are two government programs that provide medical and health-related services to elders among other people in the United States.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a program that combines the efforts of the U.S. state and federal governments to assist households in low-income groups with healthcare expenses.
It’s designed to help those unable to afford medical care and who don’t have some other forms of medical coverage.
Medicaid does not pay money to individuals but transfers payments directly to healthcare providers.
What are the benefits of Medicaid?
Mandatory benefits include:
- inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- physician services
- laboratory and x-ray services
- home health services
Optional benefits include:
- prescription drugs,
- case management
- physical therapy
- occupational therapy
Eligibility for Medicaid
This program aims to support people in low-income households. However, other eligibility requirements relate to:
- assets
- age
- pregnancy status
- disability status
- citizenship
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65+ or under 65 and have a disability, no matter your income.
The program consists of:
- Part A and Part B for hospital and medical insurance
- Part C and Part D provide flexibility and prescription drugs
What are the benefits of Medicare?
People under the age of 65 living with specific disabilities may also be eligible for Medicare benefits. Each situation is evaluated based on eligibility needs and the details of the program.
- hospitalization
- some home healthcare services
- hospice care
- doctor visits
- prescription drug coverage
- preventive care
- dental vision
Eligibility for Medicare
Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed a $2 trillion Coronavirus crisis stimulus package, called the CARES Act, into law. It grows Medicare’s capacity to cover treatment and services for those affected by COVID-19. The CARES Act also:
Increases flexibility for Medicare to cover telehealth services.
Authorizes Medicare accreditation for home health services by physician assistants, nurse experts, and certified nurse specialists.
Increases Medicare payments for COVID-19-related clinic stays and strong medical equipment.
