Medicare is an insurance program designed to provide healthcare for people aged 65 and over and specific other disabled populations and some people with End-Stage Renal Disease regardless of your income or asset level. Medicare is a Federal program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare pays for part of the cost of providing healthcare services, and Medicare Beneficiaries (you) pay some of the cost in the form of co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Medicaid is an insurance program designed for the low-income population regardless of age. You must qualify for Medicaid by meeting certain income and asset standards. Medicaid pays for most of the cost of providing healthcare services with Medicaid members paying very low or no co-pays or coinsurance. Medicaid plans are run by State and local governments with oversight by CMS.