Medicaid Health Insurance Information
18 12 07 - 00:00
Although the names are similar, Medicaid and Medicare are very different programs.
• Regardless of your income or assets, Medicare is available to every U.S. citizen over 65 and some younger people with disabilities or specific diseases.
• Medicaid is only available to people with low incomes, limited resources, or certain diseases or disabilities.
Although the federal government sets up some general guidelines, each state runs its own Medicaid program. States establish what services get covered and what groups of people get coverage. As a result, Medicaid programs vary a great deal from state to state.
Medicaid Benefits: How Do I Get Medicaid?
To sign up for Medicaid, you need to get in touch with your state's Medicaid program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have a list of contact numbers for each state.
Having a low income and few resources may not be enough to qualify. Your state will have other eligibility requirements. These might have to do with your age, whether you are pregnant, and whether you have disabilities.
Keep in mind that even if you can't get Medicaid, your child may be eligible.
How Much Does Medicaid Cost?
This depends on the state. Some programs require you to make a small co-pay for medical services in addition to what Medicaid pays.
Medicaid Coverage: What Does Medicaid Cover?
In general, Medicaid offers more comprehensive medical coverage than basic Medicare. It usually includes hospital stays, visits to doctors, tests, some home medical care, and more. However, the specifics vary from state to state.
For more information on the Medicaid plan in your state, use this interactive map on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services web site.
Medicaid: What Else Do I Need to Know?
• Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. They are called "dual eligibles." In these cases, Medicaid may pay some of your Medicare fees.
• To learn more about Medicaid, visit the U.S. government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) web site.