November 25, 2009

Comparing Medicaid with Medicare

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is often confused with Medicare, which is a federally funded health insurance program for people aged 65 and over as well as some people with disabilities. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is not limited to those with low incomes and resources. Medicare Supplement plans, or medi-gap plans are are designed to fill the gap's in the Medicare program. For more information or to receive a Medicare Supplement quote, visit QuoteBroker

Medicaid was created  by Congress in 1965, Medicaid is a public insurance program that provides health coverage to low-income families and individuals, including children, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Medicaidinsurance is funded jointly by the federal government and the states.

It is actually the State that operates its own Medicaid progra. Because the federal guidelines are broad, states have a great deal of flexibility in designing and administering their programs. As a result, Medicaid eligibility and benefits can and often do vary widely from state to state.

In 2008, Medicaid is projected to provide health coverage for nearly 63 million low-income Americans over the course of the year, including 31 million children, 17 million adults (mostly low-income working parents), 6 million seniors, and 10 million persons with disabilities. Children account for about half of all Medicaid enrollees, one quarter of Medicaid enrollees are seniors or persons with disabilities.