Please note that prescription drugs aren’t covered in nursing home visits. Medicare and Medicaid offer a variety of health coverage benefits for millions of seniors across the United States. Medicare is the primary medical coverage provider for many persons ages 65 and older and for those with a disability; eligibility for Medicare has nothing to do with income level. It might be easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid. The main … Medicaid is jointly funded by the states, so eligibility for the program varies. Medicaid is a health insurance program that is run by the state and federal governments. The differences may be significant to a small number of people. What Is Medicaid? Medicare and Medicaid were both created in 1965 when Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration expanded Social Security. Despite their similar names, they differ in some key respects. This is understandable, as they are both government health care programs. The words are so much alike that it’s easy to get them confused. Medicare primarily covers adults 65 and over, while Medicaid covers low-income individuals and families. Medicare and Medicaid are two health insurance programs run by the government. What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is federal-supported program and Medicaid is a joint program by the state and the federal government. The Medicaid program caters for the deficiencies of Medicare. Both can help you pay for health care and medical expenses, but Medicare is an age-based federal health insurance program that guarantees coverage for individuals ages 65 and over and some younger people with disabilities. For more information regarding Medicare and its components, please go to http://www.medicare.gov. Medicaid vs. Medicare Diffen › Finance › Personal Finance › Insurance › Health Insurance Medicaid and Medicare are government-sponsored healthcare programs in the U.S. What Is Medicaid? Medicare is a federal program. What’s the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid? The biggest difference between Medicare and Medicaid is who’s eligible. Here is an overview of the differences between Medicare and Medicare. Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65+ or under 65 and have a disability, no matter your income. Follow along to understand how Medicare and Medicaid work so you can better understand the differences between them. Both are government programs and both help people pay for health care. Here is a look at the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid is an assistance program. By contrast, Medicaid is a public assistance program for needy Americans of all ages. But that’s where the similarities end. Medicare is available to assist people 65 or older, and in some cases people under 65 with specific medical disabilities or diseases. State governments maintain much more control over Medicaid than Medicare. Medicare and Medicaid are two health insurance programs run by the government. While both help pay for health care expenses, Medicaid doesn't require being 65 or disabled to get benefits. States have the option to charge premiums and set cost sharing requirements for Medicaid enrollees. Medicare and Medicaid are public health insurance programs, but they differ in multiple ways. Medicaid is based on income: Medicare is a health insurance program for all citizens of U.S. whereas Medicaid is health coverage for low income group and people with disabilities. While there are some similarities between the two programs, there are also very distinct differences. The original purpose of each program was to combat poverty among different segments of the population. Medicare is based on age or disability. Last Updated : 07/06/2018 4 min read. States may charge higher income people more. In a nation of aging baby boomers, many with disabling conditions, the need for comprehensive and effective medical assistance is paramount. Many get Medicaid and Medicare confused. Medicare is available to most Americans over the age of 65, whereas Medicaid is exclusive to lower-income individuals and some disabled people. Despite their similar names, they differ in some key respects. Medicaid is typically intended for lower-income individuals and families. Medicare and Medicaid are both taxpayer funded social government programs established in 1965 that help people pay for healthcare. With such similar sounding names, it can be easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid. It is basically the same everywhere in the United States and is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the federal government. A key difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that one is primarily age-based, and the other is income based benefiting people with limited financial resources, regardless of age. Medicaid is designed for people with limited income and is often a program of last … Medicare and Medicaid offer a variety of health coverage benefits for millions of seniors across the United States. Learn the differences between the two and who is covered under each. Here are some differences: Eligibility.