What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

• A. Medicare = long-term care for elderly; Medicaid = care for the poor; Both can be used together (dual eligible).
• B. Medicare = private insurance; Medicaid = private insurance.
• C. Medicare = young adults; Medicaid = middle class.
• D. Medicare = dental; Medicaid = vision.

Answer: (A)

Medicare and Medicaid serve different groups and are funded differently, with some people able to qualify for both. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, or younger people who have certain disabilities. It helps with hospital care and medical services (and there are additional parts for prescriptions or extra coverage). Medicaid, on the other hand, is a needs-based program funded jointly by federal and state governments for people with low income, including families, pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled. It often covers a broader set of services and is administered at the state level. Some individuals can be eligible for both programs, which is known as dual eligibility. The other options mix up who is eligible or the nature of the programs—for example, Medicare isn’t private insurance, and Medicaid isn’t simply for the middle class or limited to dental or vision.