AHIP Practice Exam

The distinction between Medicaid and Medicare is fundamentally rooted in their purpose and the populations they serve. Medicaid is a joint state and federal program designed to provide health coverage to low-income individuals and families, which may include a broad range of people, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Coverage and eligibility requirements can vary significantly from state to state due to this program being state-administered.

On the other hand, Medicare is largely focused on providing health care coverage primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, regardless of income, as well as certain younger individuals who have disabilities or specific chronic conditions. Medicare is structured into several parts, offering different types of coverage, including hospital insurance and medical insurance.

This differentiation is crucial for understanding the healthcare system in the United States, as well as knowing how each program may fit the needs of different individuals based on their financial status and age-related criteria.