Differences between Medicare and Medicaid

A lot of people have a difficult time understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. They’re both health insurance programs run by the government. People often ask questions about what Medicare and Medicaid are, what services they cover and who administers the programs.

Medicare is the national health care program for those 65 or older and the disabled. You pay for some Medicare expenses by pay ing the Medicare tax while you work. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the agency in charge of both Medicare and Medicaid, but you sign up for Medicare A (Hospital) and Medicare B (Medical) through Social Security.

You can apply for Medicare online from the convenience of your home at socialsecurity.gov/medi care/. If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you reach age 65 or are in the 25th month of receiving disability checks, we will enroll you automatically.

Each state runs its own Medicaid program under guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicaid offers care for the most vulnerable among us. While it does not require paying taxes while working, it does have guidelines about how much income and resources you can have to qualify. Medicaid provides coverage for older people, people with disabilities and some fami lies with children. Each state has its own eligibility rules and decides which services to cover.