What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California)?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for older and disabled persons, regardless of income and assets. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a medical assistance program jointly financed by the State and Federal governments for eligible low-income individuals. Medicaid covers health care expenses for all recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), and most states also cover the needy, elderly, blind, and disabled who receive cash assistance under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Medicaid also is extended to certain infants and low-income pregnant women and, at the option of the state, other low-income individuals with medical bills who qualify as categorically or medically needy.
