What’s the Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare?
Learn the important differences between Medicaid and Medicare, and find out what you qualify for.
Medicaid and Medicare sound alike. But they are not the same. Both are health insurance programs, but they help different people.
Keep reading to learn which one might be right for you.
What's the Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is health insurance for people with a qualifying income. In New York State, you can get Medicaid at any age if you meet the income qualifications.
It's run by both the federal and New York State governments.
Medicare is health insurance for people who are 65 or older. It also helps people who have certain disabilities.
Medicare is a federal program. That means the U.S. government runs it.
Who Can Get Medicaid?
Medicaid is mostly about income. In New York, you may qualify for Medicaid if you are:
- An adult or child with income below the limit
- Pregnant
- Elderly or have a disability
The income limit depends on how many people are a part of your household.
Learn more on our Medicaid page, or read Medicaid Household Income: Everything You Need to Know.
Who Can Get Medicare?
Medicare is mostly about age. You may get Medicare if you are:
- 65 or older
- Under 65 with certain disabilities
- Have certain kidney diseases
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) combines hospital and doctor coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may also include extra benefits.
All MVP Medicare plans are Medicare Advantage plans.
If you qualify for Medicare, you qualify for Medicare Advantage.
Side-by-Side: Medicaid vs. Medicare
| Medicaid | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can get it? | Based on income (any age) | Based on age (65+) or disability |
| What does it cost? | Usually free or very low-cost | Monthly premiums, plus deductibles and co-pays |
| What does it cover? | Doctor visits, hospital care, dental, vision, drugs | Doctor visits, hospital care, and can include dental, vision, hearing, drugs |
| Income limits? | Yes | No |
What If You Don't Qualify for Either?
If you make too much for Medicaid but still need help, you may qualify for:
- Essential Plan: Low-cost insurance for adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid
- Child Health Plus: Free or low-cost insurance for children under the age of 19
Explore our affordable health insurance options.
Need Help?
Still not sure which program is right for you? We're here to help.
Contact the MVP Customer Care Center at 1-800-TALK-MVP (825-5687) (TTY: 711). Help is available in many languages, including English and Spanish.
For more about Medicaid, visit our Medicaid page.
For more about Medicare, visit our Medicare page.