Medicare and Medicaid are two government-run health care programs that people rely on to meet their medical needs. Though their names sound similar, there are some important differences between the two. If you or a loved one will be using one of them for your nursing care, it’s essential that you know which one applies to your financial situation and life stage. The following guide clarifies how these two vital programs differ.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal insurance program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It provides coverage for patients over the age of 65, dialysis patients, and younger disabled patients. It is attached to the Social Security program, and income is not a factor in determining coverage.

The program includes four parts:

• Part A provides hospitalization coverage and may cover nursing care
• Part B provides medical insurance
• Part C allows for private purchase of supplemental coverage
• Part D covers prescription drugs

Parts A and B are paid through the Social Security program, while C and D are options that participants can pay for out of pocket.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal and state assistance program for low-income patients of all ages, as determined by their modified adjusted gross income. The program has strict eligibility requirements surrounding income and liquid asset restrictions. However, some individuals, such as those over 65 or those with blindness or another disability are typically exempt from these criteria.

Patients in this program do not pay anything for covered medical services. While the coverage varies between states, federal guidelines require it for some services when doctors decide they are medically necessary for the patient. These services include hospitalization, X-rays, lab services, family planning, doctor and nursing care services, medical and surgical dental services, home health care, and nursing facility services for people over the age of 21.

If you or a loved one needs medical care, it’s critical to know who you can trust and how you can pay for it. The nursing care team at Mount Washington Care Center accepts both Medicare and Medicaid. They have a Medicare-certified skilled nursing unit directly from the hospital. Their caring professionals have served the community of Cincinnati, OH, for more than three decades with everything from 24-hour nursing to respite care. Read their online testimonials to learn about their reputation for excellence, then call them at (513) 231-4561 to discuss how they can help you.