Medicaid vs Medicare

Let me start out by saying that whoever decided to call these programs Medicaid and Medicare has caused a lot of confusion and rightfully so.  People get Medicaid and Medicare mixed up constantly.  It would make this much simpler if they didn’t sound the same because they sure do not act the same.  The only thing they have in common is a health care program.   Medicaid is administered by the states for people with low incomes and limited resources.  Michigan allows children eligible for SSI to automatically be eligible for Medicaid benefits. Even if the child does not qualify for SSI, they could still qualify for Medicaid.  Visit www.michigan.gov/mdch for more information on programs available to children and families. 

Medicare is a federal program for people age 65 and older and for some people receiving Social Security disability benefits under the age of 65. 

It is possible to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.  That’s a complicated topic and one that you should speak to Social Security about if you think your adult child is eligible for both.