MEDICAID

MEDICARE

An assistance program for low-income people.

An insurance program for people over age 65 and some disabled people under age 65.

Is based on income. Some programs require that you be responsible for part of your medical bills before you can get a Medicaid card. This is known as "meeting" a deductible.

Most people receive Medicare because they receive some type of Social Security Benefits.

A person who receives a Medicaid card pays no part of the medical costs other than a small co-payment to the doctor or pharmacist.

You must pay a deductible for hospital visits. You must also pay an annual deductible for doctor visits and other medical services.

Medicaid will pay the Medicare premiums for most people. It also pays the Medicare deductibles and coinsurance for services which are covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

You pay coinsurance(a portion of the total bill) for medical services. You also pay a monthly premium for coverage of medical expenses.

Most Medicaid programs pay for prescription drugs.

Medicare does not pay for prescription drugs.

Is run by the State Government, but has Federal guidelines. Medicaid varies from State to State.

Is run by the Federal Government and it is the same everywhere in the U.S.

The money for Medicaid costs comes from Federal, State, and County funds.

The money for Medicare comes from Federal funds.