Medicare Vs. Medicaid: What's The Difference?

​Government-sponsored projects called Medicare and Medicaid assist certain Americans with their healthcare bills. These two taxpayer-funded programs, which were both founded in 1965, have similar names to raise misconceptions regarding their functions and the protection they offer.

Medicaid and Medicare's Differences
In contrast to Medicare, Medicaid is governed by the state and determined by your income. Medicare is administered by the federal government and is largely based on age. In some situations, such as those involving specific impairments, younger generations may be qualified for Medicare.

Medicare Coverage
Your age typically determines Medicare qualification. To be considered, you must be 65 years or older and have a citizen or lawful residency permit in the United States. The years you have paid Medicare taxes will determine premiums and qualifications for a particular Medicare plan. 

Medicare Benefits
The Medicare program is separated into numerous parts that offer coverage for different aspects of healthcare.

Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A provides coverage for a wide range of specialized medical services, including hospital treatment, home healthcare, a limited level of specialist care, and home healthcare.

Medicare Part B
Outpatient medical care is covered under Medicare Part B. It provides insurance for necessities, including outpatient hospital care, doctor appointments, preventive care, and certain hospital instruments.

Medicare Part C
All the advantages of Medicare Part A and B are included in Medicare Part C, often known as Medicare Advantage. For an additional fee, these programs may also offer additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dentistry, and optical coverage.

Medicare Part D
Federal regulations show that recognized plans assist in administering Medicare Part D with the cost of prescription medications.

Defining Medicaid
Medicaid is a support system. It helps all ages and low-income individuals. Typically, if you belong to these groups, you are not required to contribute to the cost of approved medical expenses. But sometimes, a little co-payment is needed. A joint federal-state program is Medicaid. And within the bounds of federal rules, local and state governments manage it.

Medicaid Assistance
State-by-state variations in Medicaid coverage exist, but each program offers some advantages. It consists of the following:

• X-ray and laboratory procedures
• Hospital patients and outpatient care
• Services for access to contraception, such as preventing pregnancy and nurse-midwifery
• Health examinations and pediatric therapies as necessary
• Adult care facilities 
• Dental surgery services for adults

Given that the Medicaid program varies from state to state, you might want to speak with a doctor in your area to assess your illness and ask for help with the application.

Conclusion
Two government programs in the United States, Medicare and Medicaid are intended to assist certain communities in gaining access to healthcare. Medicaid eligibility is mostly determined by income and need, while Medicare normally covers people over 65 and those with specific infectious disabilities.

At Arnold, Bruce & Doerfler Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (503) 222-1951 or CLICK HERE to request a free quote. Topics and coverage discussed in this article are not guaranteed, consult with your agents to determine what your policy does and does not cover. We are more than happy to help!