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Medicare vs Medicaid: What’s the Difference?

Andrea Feucht
  • Medicaid
  • Original Medicare

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding Differences

Wondering how Medicare and Medicaid are different? You're not alone. Medicare and Medicaid are two government programs that provide health care coverage to eligible individuals. While both programs are aimed at helping people access medical services — and their names are similar — they differ in several important ways.

This infographic can help you understand the key differences between Medicare and Medicaid, including who is eligible, available benefits and how the coverage works.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Medicare and Medicaid is crucial when it comes to health care. Because the programs offer overlapping benefits and are both government programs, it’s easy to get confused. It’s important to know what makes each program unique. We can help you understand Medicare, Medicaid and answer questions you may have about your options and your eligibility.

If you have any questions about Medicare or Medicare coverage, please feel free to give us a call. One of our PlanEnroll agents will be happy to help you. Call us to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.

PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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PlanEnroll represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS, and Prescription Drug Plan organizations that have a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or you are in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and is used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll, PlanEnroll.com is a non-government website and is not endorsed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 0-78 organizations which offer 0-2,613 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

The exact carrier and plan counts are determined by your zip code and county.

To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1- 877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week). If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance. If you are already a member, please contact your health plan to file a complaint.

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