 | Kevin Knaup received his Kansas Adult Care Home Administrator's license in 1983 and is the Administrator and part owner of Sunset Manor, Inc. in Frontenac, KS. He has been employed at Sunset Manor for 31 years. He is a member of Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Adult Care Executives. He has served on various local and state committees for education and training in the Adult Care home field. |
Senior Living
2011-03-01 10:05:00
The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
Question: What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Are the eligibility requirements different? I hear people using the term interchangeably and wonder for what my mom, who was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, might be qualified. I’m new to this and it is all pretty confusing.
Answer: Although they are two entirely different programs, many people get confused when it comes to the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. To help clear up the difference, let’s begin with how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines each:
“Medicare is an insurance program. Medical bills are paid from trust funds which those covered have paid into. It serves people over 65 primarily, whatever their income; and serves younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage. Medicare is a federal program. It is basically the same everywhere in the United States and is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the federal government.”
While Medicaid is defined:
“Medicaid is an assistance program. Medical bills are paid from federal, state and local tax funds. It serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses. A small co-payment is sometimes required. Medicaid is a federal-state program. It varies from state to state. It is run by state and local governments within federal guidelines.”
The eligibility requirements for Medicare are much the same all over the country, covering seniors over 65. Medicaid is state run and each state has separate, but similar guidelines for eligibility.
For those receiving Medicare, it is also helpful to know about Medigap insurance. Many companies offer insurance policies that cover out of pocket cost not covered by Medicare. Each company may offer the insurance at different rates, so it helps to shop around for the best prices.
