Medicare and Medicaid are two separate government-run programs that are operated and funded by different parts of the government and primarily serve different groups. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if your income is very low.
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dually qualified), you can get both, as they work together to provide you with health coverage and lower your costs.
Also know that while Medicare and Medicaid are government-run health insurance programs, there are differences in covered services and cost sharing. Medicaid provides health coverage for millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Medicaid is administered by states in accordance with federal requirements. The program is jointly funded by the states and the federal government. Some states have expanded their Medicaid programs to include all people under certain income levels.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and its objectives
If your children need health coverage, they may qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program. This program provides low-cost health coverage for children in families who earn a lot to qualify for Medicaid.
In some states, children's health insurance covers pregnant women as well.
Each state offers Child Health Insurance coverage and works closely with its state Medicaid program.
Each state has its own rules about the program and about who is eligible for child health insurance. You can apply now and at any time of the year and see if you qualify. If you apply for Medicaid coverage with your state agency, you will also know if your children are eligible for health insurance. And if they qualify, you don't have to purchase an insurance plan to cover them.
Medicare in America
It is a program administered by the United States government that is a federal health insurance program for persons 65 years of age or older and some younger persons with disabilities. It also covers people with kidney disease (those with permanent kidney failure or requiring dialysis or transplantation).
Medicare and Medicaid service centers are the federal agency that administers Medicare. The program is funded partly by the Social Security taxes and Medicare expenses you pay on your income, partly by amounts paid by people receiving Medicare, and partly by the federal budget.