Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those who are retired and receiving social security retirement benefits or social security disability benefits. Medicare provides insurance payment for hospitalization, physician services and a prescription drug program. There are also Medicare Supplements and Manage Medicare HMO/PPOs. See our Video on Medicare Basics.
Medicaid is a special, very large, insurance program for those with limited assets and income. In Pennsylvania it is called Medical Assistance. If you hear someone refer to MA (emm -aee), they are talking about Medical Assistance. Medicare provides very limited Nursing home coverage, no more than 100 days maximum and usually not for that long.
Medicaid pays the entirety of one’s nursing home bill along with all other medical and prescription bills for a person in a nursing home who qualifies.
Senior Care Resources provides expert guidance and assistance with Medicaid Applications for Long Term Care in western Pennsylvania.