In the United States, the health care system can be complex, and while Medicare and Medicaid benefits may seem the same, they are not. Can you imagine being in a bind and having no idea what protects you? Nobody wants that! So, in addition to showing you the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, we’re going to give you the tools you need to make the same smart choices as you do when selecting your franchise investments. Move forward!
First things first: what is Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that is primarily offered to people over the age of 65, as well as younger people with permanent disabilities. And although it’s funded by the federal government, Medicare is divided into several parts:
Part A: Hospital coverage: Medicare Part A covers hospital services, hospice care, and some home care services.
Part B: Medical coverage: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, lab tests, and preventive services.
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans combine Part A and Part B coverage, as well as offer additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and vision and dental services.
Part D: Prescription drug coverage: Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage.
Medicare is so popular among U.S. citizens, that about 65.6 million people were enrolled in June 2023! Of these, 34.1 million have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and approximately 31.6 million have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C).
Medicare costs:
While it is true that Medicare provides benefits at no cost to most beneficiaries, there are some associated expenses that you should consider and we detail them below:
– In 2023, the average monthly premium cost for Medicare Part A ranged from $278 to $506, with a deductible of $1,556 and coinsurance of $401 per day after the 90th day of hospitalization.
– The monthly premium for Part B in 2023 was $164.90, with a deductible of $226.
– More than 48% of Medicare beneficiaries have a Medicare Advantage plan, and the average monthly premium cost here (Part C) is about $18.
– Finally, the average monthly cost for a Part D plan was $43.25 during 2023, with an average annual deductible of $408.
So what is Medicaid?
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a joint health insurance program between the federal government and the states. It is designed to provide health care to low-income people, including children, low-income adults, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
The most recent statistics indicate that more than 90 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid in 2023, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation report.
Although eligibility for Medicaid varies by state, it is generally based on income and family situation. Medicaid benefits can include preventive health care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, vision and hearing care, and other essential services.
How to Choose Between Medicare and Medicaid
Both Medicare and Medicaid can include premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. For Medicare, what you pay will depend on when you enroll in the program, what coverage options you choose, and what services you use throughout the year. For Medicaid, the amount you pay will depend on your income and the rules of the specific state you live in.
And because we know that the differences between Medicare and Medicaid aren’t the only things you need to understand when choosing your coverage, here are some tips for navigating the health care system:
1. Determine your eligibility: Make sure you understand if you’re eligible for Medicare or Medicaid based on your income, age, and family situation.
2. Assess your health care needs: Consider your medical, personal, and family needs when choosing between Medicare and Medicaid. If you’re eligible for both, you may want to explore the options available and compare the costs and benefits.
3. Consider supplemental health care: In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, you may want to consider purchasing private health insurance to cover services not included in these programs.
Although at Interlink FBC we do not offer private health coverage, if you need advice we can provide you with contact with trusted experts. Our commitment is your integral well-being. Write!
