Use this Medicare vs. Medicaid chart to compare how these health insurance programs cover similar benefits but help serve beneficiaries in different ways.
Given the similar names and some shared benefits, it’s understandable why so many people confuse Medicare and Medicaid. Both programs are federally regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), though Medicaid programs can have some variations from one state to the next.
The chart below outlines the major differences between Medicare and Medicaid to help you better understand each program and how they are distinguished from one another.
Medicaid vs. Medicare Chart 2024
Medicare vs. Medicaid
Medicare
Medicaid
What it is
A federal health insurance program for individuals age 65 and over or who have a qualifying disability.
A federal and state program for individuals and families with limited income or resources.
Medicare Part A: Inpatient care at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and mental health treatment facilities
Medicare Part B: Outpatient medical care, preventive care and durable medical equipment
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Everything covered by Part A and Part B, and plans may also offer more benefits Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover
Medicare Part D: Prescription drugs
Each state Medicaid program must cover certain mandatory benefits such as inpatient and outpatient care.
A state can also offer optional benefits, which can include prescription drugs, dental and vision care, physical therapy, eyeglasses and more.
Costs
Part A and Part B costs are standardized, and premiums are based partly on work history and income.
Costs are minimal and are generally lower than Medicare. Beneficiaries may pay limited premiums and small copayments. Certain beneficiaries are exempt from most or all Medicaid costs.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on age (65) and citizenship or legal resident status. Some people may qualify before 65 because of a disability or health condition such as ESRD or ALS.
Eligibility varies by state but is primarily based on income and resources.
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While Medicare and Medicaid are two different programs, many people are eligible for — and have — both Medicare and Medicaid.
Those who are eligible for both programs are called “dual eligible” beneficiaries. The two programs work together, with Medicare acting as the primary payer and Medicaid serving as a supplemental payer.
In 2020, 12.5 million Americans were enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.2
Christian Worstell is a senior Medicare and health insurance writer with MedicareAdvantage.com. He is also a licensed health insurance agent. Christian is well-known in the insurance industry for the thousands of educational articles he’s written, helping Americans better understand their health insurance and Medicare coverage.
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Christian Worstell is a senior Medicare and health insurance writer with MedicareAdvantage.com. He is also a licensed health insurance agent. Christian is well-known in the insurance industry for the thousands of educational articles he’s written, helping Americans better understand their health insurance and Medicare coverage.
Christian’s work as a Medicare expert has appeared in several top-tier and trade news outlets including Forbes, MarketWatch, WebMD and Yahoo! Finance.
Christian has written hundreds of articles for MedicareAvantage.com that teach Medicare beneficiaries the best practices for navigating Medicare. His articles are read by thousands of older Americans each month. By better understanding their health care coverage, readers may hopefully learn how to limit their out-of-pocket Medicare spending and access quality medical care.
Christian’s passion for his role stems from his desire to make a difference in the senior community. He strongly believes that the more beneficiaries know about their Medicare coverage, the better their overall health and wellness is as a result.
A current resident of Raleigh, Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
If you’re a member of the media looking to connect with Christian, please don’t hesitate to email our public relations team at Mike@tzhealthmedia.com.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover routine dental or vision care. 2024 Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can cover benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover, but dental and/or hearing benefits may not be available where you live. Learn more and find out how to compare the plans and benefits available in your area.
When you travel or move to another state, does your Medicare insurance go with you? Find out how Medicare works in other areas of the country and how to maintain the coverage you need.
If you are not automatically enrolled in Medicare, you’ll need to have these documents and information on hand when you apply for Medicare benefits. Learn more about what you need to have ready when you apply.
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can get a replacement card from Social Security and the Railroad Retirement Board, or by calling Medicare or logging into your My Social Security online account.
Things can get confusing when someone is eligible for both Medicare and employer-sponsored health insurance. We’re here to clear it up and help you understand what you should know concerning Medicare and employer coverage.
Discover how to perform everyday tasks using MyMedicare.gov, the official Medicare online user portal, including opening an account, logging in and using the Blue Button.
Join our email series to receive your Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare.
By clicking "Sign me up!” you are agreeing to receive emails from MedicareAdvantage.com.
Thanks for signing up for our emails!
Your Medicare guide will arrive in your email inbox shortly. You can also look forward to informative email updates about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
If you'd like to speak with an agent right away, we're standing by for that as well. Give us a call!