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What is Medicare & Medicaid
Mar 01, 2010
Helping the Deaf Community Understand Medicare & Medicaid
What is Medicare and Medicaid ?
Medicare is Federal health Insurance. Many people over 65 have Medicare.
But you do not have to be over 65 to have Medicare insurance. People with disabilities can also receive Medicare.
You can become eligible to receive Medicare several different ways. If you are over 65, you are eligible for Medicare. If you are under 65, you can get Medicare coverage if you receive Social Security disability benefits, have been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gerhig’s disease) or end stage renal disease.
Once you are approved for Medicare, you’ll receive a card in the mail. Your Medicare card is red, white, and blue. Keep this card with you. This card is just as important as your Social Security card.
For more information go to your local Social Security Office, or go online at SSA.gov.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is NOT Medicare. They are separate programs.
Medicaid is a state program to help lower income families and individuals with medical and doctors bills.
To receive Medicaid depends on your income and/or resources and other requirements that are different state to state. There are many categories of eligibility for Medicaid and it is important to check your state rules. But, a lot of people with disabilities who have low income and resources qualify for Medicaid.
Medicaid cards may vary on how they look depending on which state you live in.
You can go to your local Department of Human Services to get more information about your state financial assistance programs. Some people receive both Medicare and Medicaid because they meet the qualifications of both. These people have both a Medicare and Medicaid card and should show both when getting medical care.
