What is Medicaid?

The joint state and federal program, Medicaid, is an initiative that assists people with limited income and resources to pay for medical and hospital expenses.

There are various eligibility requirements to receive financial assistance from Medicaid, and some people qualify to get coverage from Medicare and receive Medicaid assistance. If you have a Medicare (Parts A and B) plan and are covered by Medicaid as well, then most of your health care costs would be covered. If you are eligible, you would also have the option to choose between original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

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Medicaid programs are different in various states, and can also be referred to differently. For example, one state may identify a Medicaid program by the name "Medical Assistance," while California calls it "Medi-Cal."

Each state also has its own set of regulations in terms of who is eligible for Medicare assistance and the various eligibility limits imposed on the program. Certain states also make it a requirement that you apply for Medicare before you may become eligible for Medicaid.

Medicare doesn't fully cover certain services such as nursing home care and home health visits, and you may find that your Medicaid plan fills up this coverage gap for you if your qualify.

Medicaid is also partnered with the Medicare program called Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) initiative. Thus, if you have Medicare, Medicaid or both, then you would be allowed to join PACE if there is a PACE site near you.

To review Medicare supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage options, use the free quote engine above.