Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities). Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program for people with low income. Medicare is based on age/disability; Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both (dual-eligible).
Key Points
- Medicare: federal program for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities
- Medicaid: joint federal-state program for people with low income
- Medicare: based on age/disability; Medicaid: based on income
- Dual-eligible: have both Medicare and Medicaid
- An independent agent can help you understand your eligibility for both programs