Is Medicare the same as Medicaid?
The short answer
Medicare and Medicaid are separate programs. Medicare is federal health coverage primarily for people 65 and older. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps people with low incomes pay for health care costs.
The full explanation
The names sound similar, which causes a lot of confusion, but these are two different programs with different rules, different eligibility requirements, and different purposes. Medicare is a federal program. You earn it primarily through work history, and it's available to most people at 65 regardless of income. It covers things like hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Medicaid is run jointly by the federal government and each state. It's based on income and assets, not age, and it covers low-income individuals and families, including children. In Utah, Medicaid has been expanded to cover more adults, and the state runs its own version of the program. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. They're called dual-eligible beneficiaries, and they can get significant help with Medicare's premiums and cost-sharing through programs like the Medicare Savings Program. If someone tells you they're on Medicare, that doesn't tell you anything about their income. If they're on Medicaid, they may or may not also have Medicare.
Related Medicare Resources
In
specifically
Utah has its own Medicaid program, and some low-income Utahns qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. The Utah Medicare Savings Program can help qualifying residents with Part B premiums and other costs. The Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) can help you figure out if you qualify.
What this means for you
For you, this means if cost is a concern, it's worth checking whether you or a parent might qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program in addition to Medicare, since they work differently and one doesn't replace the other.
Related Questions
Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Is Medicare the same thing as health insurance?
Can I get Medicare if I have Medicaid?
What is a dual eligible special needs plan (D-SNP)?
