An Introduction to Medicare and Medicaid

If you've heard the terms "Medicare" and "Medicaid," but you aren't sure what they mean or how they might apply to you, this is the place to start.

Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the federal government for seniors age 65 and older. People under age 65 with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease are also eligible for Medicare.

The best time to sign up for Medicare is up to three months before, or no later than three months after, your 65th birthday. (You are automatically signed up for Medicare if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement payments.) Call Social Security to make an appointment to apply for Medicare at your local Social Security office. You can call toll-free 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For TTY, call 1-800-325-0778, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number and your date of birth before you call.

For more information on Medicare, download Medicare Made Clear, an easy-to-use reference for understanding Medicare and its coverage options.

Medicare has three parts:

Medicaid is for low-income individuals.

Medicaid is a program for people who can't afford to pay for medical care. It is offered by states to their residents who are United States citizens or qualified immigrants. To get Medicaid, you must be a pregnant woman, a child, a member of a low-income family, or must be aged, blind or disabled. A few states also cover single, healthy adults. You also must meet state income standards, and certain other requirements.

To find out about Medicaid in your state, please visit the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Web site.

Do you qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, both?

You may qualify for Medicare and Medicaid coverage together. If so, there are specific plans for individuals with a limited income.