In: Nursing
describe the medicaid program. What are the differences between Medicare and Medicaid ? ( 300 non plagiarised )
Medicaid is the joint federal and state program designed to provide healthcare coverage as the free or low cost to millions of Americans, especially to the underserved and people who need special care. The main beneficiaries of Medicaid are low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The funding for Medicaid is provided jointly by the federal and state government. The guidelines for the program are designed by the federal government. The Medicaid programs have slight differences from state to state.
Medicaid especially concentrates on certain categories of people who have low income and few assets, other than the home they live in. The people over 65 and those with disabilities are also covered by Medicaid programme depending on their income.
The Medicaid program also covers some healthcare services that Medicare doesn't cover. The services like Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments for people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid programs are also paid by Medicaid. Other services funded by Medicaid are long-term nursing home care, long-term, assisted living and in-home personal care.
Medicaid and Medicare are two entirely different programs. An individual can be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare covers everyone ages 65 or older, and people with long-term disability, irrespective of their income or assets. Medicaid is designed for low-income people and those with very few assets other than a home. Medicaid program covers even the services not covered by Medicare. Medicare may leave the medical expenses like Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments, and the cost of some prescription drugs not covered by a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Medicaid will pay the additional amount for the beneficiary who's enrolled in both programs.
The income determination for Medicaid coverage is determined by the state where you live. The person will also be eligible for Medicaid medical coverage if his/her income falls below the eligibility standard for the federal Government's Supplemental Security Income program (SSI). Medicaid accounts the income of both spouses if either spouse in a married couple applies for Medicaid if they are living together. The benefits like free housing and regular meals from family or friends, the bills regularly paid for them are also considered as income while assessing Medicaid eligibility.
Medicaid covers a special category of people known as “medically
needy” whose income is higher than the state's Medicaid eligibility
level if they also have regular medical expenses that aren't paid
by another program or insurance.