Are You Covered?

Medicare is a federal program and covers almost everyone 65 or older and certain people on Social Security disability. Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) provides basic coverage for hospital stays and post hospital nursing facility and home health care. Medicare medical insurance (Part B) pays most basic doctor and laboratory costs, and some outpatient medical services, including medical equipment and supplies, home health care, and physical therapy. Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) pays some of the costs of prescription medications.

Medicaid is a state-administered program and covers low-income and financially needy people, including those over 65 who are also on Medicare. Medicaid provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient health care coverage, including many services and costs Medicare does not cover, most notably, prescription drugs, diagnostic and preventive care, and eyeglasses. The amount of coverage, however, varies from state to state. Medicaid can pay Medicare deductibles and 20% portion of charges not paid by Medicare. Medicaid can also pay the Medicare premium.