The Medicare health insurance program started in 1965 and was originally designed for people who are 65 years or older and in need of health insurance. In 1972 the federal government began to include people with disabilities, and other diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease requiring dialysis. Eventually people with Lou Gehrig’s disease became eligible for Medicare as well.

Medicare is run by a government department known as CMS; in other words the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. . .

Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is NOT health insurance at all. Medicaid is a state assistance program to help pay the medical costs for lower income individuals. Medicaid is typically for people who are either slightly above or below federal poverty levels. Each state determines their own income and asset levels using national federal poverty level guidelines. It is funded by Federal payroll taxes and general tax revenues. Medicaid also started in 1965 and provides health coverage for low-income families with children, elderly people, and people with mental or physical disabilities.

The people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are known as “Dual Eligible” beneficiaries. There may be plans in your area designed specifically for people who are Dual Eligible. These plans typically offer far greater benefits than the standard private Medicare health plans. The benefits often include dental, vision, hearing, transportation, nursing hotlines, rewards programs, and over-the-counter benefits.

Many Dual Eligible beneficiaries are unsure what coverage they currently have and often miss out on additional benefits they are entitled to.