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Medicaid VS Medicare. What’s the Difference?

While Medicaid and Medicare sound similar, they are in fact very different programs. One of the biggest differences is Medicaid is a state governed program and Medicare is a federal governed program. Here are some other differences:

Medicaid is for low income:

• Pregnant women
• Children under the age of 19
• People 65 and over
• People who are blind
• People who are disabled
• People who need nursing home care

Medicaid is applied for at your local Department of Health and Welfare’s Self Reliance office.

Medicare is for:

• People 65 and over
• People of any age who have kidney failure or long term kidney disease
• People who are permanently disabled and can not work

Medicare is applied for at your local Social Security office.

Some people qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicaid is sometimes used to help pay for Medicare premiums. People who qualify for both programs are called ‘dual eligible’.

You can call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine to get contact information for your local Self Reliance office or your local Social Security office. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588.

You can search for Medicaid and Medicare contact information in the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine online database.

• Search by keywords: “Medicaid – Eligibility”, “Medicare Questions” or “Social Security”.