These programs may sound the same, but they’re different in many ways.
Medicare
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Part A generally helps cover services you receive in a hospital or long-term care setting.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Part C, also called Medicare Advantage (MA), are private insurance plans that provide all of Part A and Part B coverage and typically offer extra benefits such as vision, hearing and dental care.
- Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Part D are private insurance plans that help cover the cost of prescription drugs.
Eligibility requirements for Original Medicare Parts A and B include:
- Age 65 or older
- Younger than 65 with a qualifying disability
- Living with ESKD (end-stage kidney disease), permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant
Medicaid
There are different rules for each state, but in most states, you may be eligible for Medicaid if you are under certain income levels and/or are:
- Age 65 and older
- A child under age 19
- Pregnant
- Living with a disability
- A parent or adult caring for a child
- An adult with dependent children
- An eligible immigrant