What’s The Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid? | Intentional Money Matters with Harry Stout

I am joined by Harry Stout, author and host of FinanciaVerse Podcast, as we continue our Intentional Money Matters Series on the BetterWealth Show. Harry shares with us about health insurance, medicare and medicaid and how to be strategic about being covered. What’s The Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid? 1. Although both are government-run health care programs, the similarities end there. 2. Medicaid is available if you have low income, while Medicare eligibility kicks in when you turn 65 or have a qualifying disability. 3. If you meet the income eligibility thresholds, Medicaid can be an essential resource for covering health care expenses that Medicare does not. But not everyone can qualify for Medicaid, so you should enroll in Medicare when you reach retirement age. 4. Both programs are designed to offset the costs of healthcare services. Medicaid offers additional coverages that Medicare does not. If you’re “dual-eligible,” based on your income status, you can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare and get coverage from both. Is Medicare the Same Thing as Medicaid? 1. Although they sound similar, Medicare and Medicaid aren’t the same. The only similarity is that both government programs help cover health care costs for Americans. 2. Medicaid doesn’t have an age requirement, so adults of all ages and dependent children can enroll. In 2021, there were 75.4 million people covered with Medicaid. Medicaid plans are administered by the states but funded jointly by the state and federal government. 3. Medicare is a federal program managed by the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) handles Medicare enrollment and premium payments. It has an age requirement (65) unless you’ve been on disability for 24 months or have specific medical conditions. Episode links and resources The FinanciaVerse Podcast - https://www.financialverse.com/fvpodcast (https://www.financialverse.com/fvpodcast) FinancialVerse.com https://www.financi