What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare and Medicaid are both government-funded health insurance programs that provide financial assistance to certain individuals. However, the two programs have very different eligibility requirements and offerings. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that is available to all individuals over the age of 65, as well as certain individuals with disabilities. Medicare covers a wide variety of health care costs including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and laboratory tests. Medicare does not typically cover long-term care costs such as nursing home stays. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state-run health insurance program that is available to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements can vary by state, but typically include low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, and individuals over age 65. In Texas, Medicaid also covers an additional group of individuals called “medically needy”, which includes those with high medical bills. Medicaid covers a wide variety of health care costs, which can include long-term care such as nursing home stays. Overall, the main difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that Medicare is available to all individuals over the age of 65, while Medicaid is only available to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. Additionally, Medicare typically does not cover long-term care costs, while Medicaid typically does.

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