What Are Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid are 2 government programs that provide health insurance coverage to those who qualify.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, some disabled Americans, and individuals who have end-stage renal disease. It has 4 parts-A, B, C, and D.
Part A—Hospital insurance helps pay for in-patient hospital care, short-term care in skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care.
Part B—Medical insurance helps pay for medical care, including doctor visits, outpatient hospital care, as well as medically necessary services, such as physical or occupational therapy.
Part C—Also known as Medicare Advantage, provides the option to obtain Parts A, B, and D benefits through private insurance.
Part D—Prescription drug coverage helps pay a portion of prescription drug costs.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal-state program that helps provide health care coverage for people with limited income. Coverage and eligibility vary by state.
What is Medigap?
Because Medicare does not cover all medical expenses, you may want to consider purchasing a Medigap policy. Medigap is private insurance that helps cover some of the gaps in Medicare benefits.
For more detailed information about Medicare, Medicaid, and Medigap, contact:
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
877-267-2323
cms.hhs.gov
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
shiptalk.org
Medicare
800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
medicare.gov