What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicaid Planning Lawyers Serving Clients Throughout Kentucky
Many individuals confuse Medicare and Medicaid and use the terms interchangeably. However, Medicare and Medicaid are two completely separate programs run by two different agencies. Medicare and Medicaid both provide free or discounted healthcare to individuals in need. In addition, both Medicare and Medicaid are run by the government.

However, Medicare is health insurance that is targeted exclusively towards senior citizens ages 65 and older or individuals of any age with very specific disabilities or ailments such as end stage renal disease. Medicare is run by and funded by the federal government.

Medicaid Long Term Care is medical assistance for individuals in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. Medicaid is funded in part by the federal government and state government, but it is governed by the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services. As such, the state of Kentucky dictates eligibility requirements.

If you are interested in applying for Medicaid with the state of Kentucky, the skilled Medicaid planning attorneys at Goeing Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC can assist you with gathering the right documentation and appealing an enrollment denial. In addition, our attorneys at Goeing Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC have experience and training with appealing Medicaid denials, and arguing at fair hearings before the Department for Medicaid Services. Call Goeing Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC today at (859) 904-2045 for a free consultation on Medicaid planning.

What Is Medicare?
Medicare is free or discounted health insurance provided to qualified U.S. residents. Medicare is run by the federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services and funded by taxpayers.

To qualify for Medicare, you must be a U.S. citizen and either (1) age 65 or older, (2) any age and diagnosed with a specific disability, or (3) any age and diagnosed with end stage renal disease.

Medicare comes in four formats: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Part A covers nursing home care and other inpatient hospital care. Part B covers preventative care such as doctor visits and treatment. Part C allows insurance companies such as Aetna to provide benefits through Medicare. Part D covers medications. The various plans vary in coverage and costs.

What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a free or discounted program that assists disabled or elderly individuals with paying for nursing home costs. Medicaid is funded by state and federal taxpayers. The federal government allocates a certain amount of funding annually for Kentucky, and the state contributes as well. Kentucky’s Department for Medicaid Services then enacts eligibility requirements, reviews applications, and accepts or denies claims.

Competent Kentucky Medicaid Planning Attorneys with Years of Experience
Dealing with the Department for Medicaid Services in Kentucky may appear daunting, especially when your application has been denied and you need vital skilled nursing care. The attorneys at Goeing Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC have years of experience and training with Medicaid planning and Medicaid appeals. While many law firms refuse to handle Medicaid appeals cases, Goeing Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC understands how important steady access to long term care benefits is to Kentucky residents. Our attorneys are prepared to fight for your right to access to health care. Contact Goeing Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC today at (859) 904-2045 for a free initial consultation.