Medicare and Medicaid are two government-run programs designed to help people with disabilities meet their financial obligations.

Medicare

Medicare is the nation’s largest health insurance program, and covers nearly 40 million Americans, including those with disabilities under the age of 65.

Medicare comprises two parts: hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital insurance helps pay for inpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, and home health services, while medical insurance pays for physician services, outpatient hospital services, medical equipment and supplies, and other heath services.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a program designed to meet the needs of low-income people, and is funded through a state-federal partnership. While there are federal requirements that must be met in order to qualify for Medicaid, individual states set eligibility requirements, determine what benefits and services to cover, and set payment rates.

Contacting Medicare and Medicaid

More information on Medicare and Medicaid, can be found through www.medicare.gov and www.cms.hhs.gov. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can be reached at 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850; (866) 226-1819.