What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare and Medicaid are both government-funded health care programs, but they serve different populations and provide different benefits. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that typically serves people over 65 years of age, those under 65 with certain disabilities, and people of any age with end-stage renal disease or permanent kidney failure. Medicare is a fee-for-service program that covers hospitalization, doctor visits, lab tests, and some medical equipment and supplies. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state-run health insurance program designed to provide medical care to low-income individuals and families. Medicaid is also available to individuals who are 65 or older, blind or disabled, pregnant, or in need of long-term or custodial care. Medicaid helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, long-term and nursing home care, and other medical services and supplies. It also covers some non-medical services, such as home health visits and personal care services. In Maine, the MaineCare program is the state Medicaid program that provides health care services to individuals and families who meet certain income-eligibility requirements. Medicare and Medicaid may both be used for health care services and may work together to cover services, but in the state of Maine, MaineCare is the primary source of health insurance for low-income individuals and families.

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