Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is helpful for finding health care coverage. Both are programs that provide health coverage, but it’s important to know how they compare.
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You probably hear a lot about Medicare and Medicaid, but you may wonder about the difference between the two.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Medicare and Medicaid: What's the difference?
We’re here to help make it clear.
Both are programs that provide health coverage, but it’s important to know how they compare.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Who’s covered
65 or older
Disability
Medical condition
Original Medicare is a federal program for people who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability or medical condition.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Who’s covered
Low income pregnant women
Children of low-income families
Children in foster care
People with disabilities
Low income seniors
Low income parents or caregivers
Medicaid is a federal and state program that serves specific groups of people, including: pregnant women with low income, children of low-income families, children in foster care, people with disabilities, seniors with low income, and parents or caregivers with low income.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Who’s covered
Each state manages Medicaid, so eligibility requirements can vary from state to state.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Part A: Hospital
Part B: Medical
Part D: Prescriptions
Part C: "All-in-one"
Original Medicare consists of Part A hospital coverage and Part B medical coverage. There are also other Medicare coverage options which are available through private insurers. Part D offers prescription drug coverage. Part C Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Parts A and B and may provide additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and basic hearing and vision.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Hospital
Medical
Prescriptions
Nursing home and personal care services
Original Medicare and Medicaid provide similar coverage, but Medicaid offers additional benefits that Original Medicare may not cover, like long-term care and transportation to medical appointments.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Dual Special Needs Plans
(D-SNP)
You may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This is called being “dual eligible.”
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Disabilities
Age
Conditions
D-SNP (or Dual Special Needs) plans are designed for people who may need more help because of qualifying disabilities, age or health conditions.
Medicare and Medicaid are designed to help you on your health journey. Knowing the differences can help set you on the right path.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: uhc.com
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