The two concepts of Medicare and Medicaid are both targeted at offering healthcare delivery to the people but they come with their different approaches. Though they both lead to the same destination; but their differences can be seen from their administrative points of view. We are going to clearly define the two concepts to let our readers know what happens if they decide to go any of the two health care service providers.
Medicaid
Medicaid is the health care system that is controlled by the state and federal government. It is a matter of choice, some people prefer sticking their lot with this provider and they will get all the medical coverage that they needed to get the best out of life and living. Who are those that go for this premium? They are the people with very low income.
Medicare
This is singularly controlled by the federal government. The target here is for people who are 65 years and above. Those that are under 65 and have one disability or the other will also receive effective cover through this premium. No matter the level of the income, getting the advantages that come with Medicare Advantage 2020 initiative is sure.
Can You Have Both?
It all depends on your age and condition of health. If you are 65+, then you can fully gain access to both. On the other hand, for those that are handicapped and are under 65, they can as well access both. Those in that category are referred to as dually eligible people. Having both will lower the costs that patients will incur through medical services. It can be stated therefore that it is the best option for those that are qualified to carry both cards in other to have access to full medical covered at a lower cost.
The Differences
It will not be out of place to let our readers know about the differences in coverage and covered sharing between the two health insurance programs. Though both are run by the state and federal governments as stated above, marked differences occur in their covered services as well as in the area of cost-sharing. If you are dually eligible, make sure you clear the lines before registering on both platforms.
Give a call to them separately and sort out the issues of coverage and cost implications involved in both. Get to know what is involved before you decide to take the full plunge. If you have any form of doubt, clear the issues before you move on. If you are not comfortable with the terms of service, then it is best to retain single health insurance. In that way, you will still get the expected Medicare Advantage plan that will take care of your health needs and challenges.
The bottom line is that both providers are state-controlled; Medicare is federally controlled while on the other hand the idea of Medicaid is controlled by the state government.