What is the difference between state and federal Medicaid?

Asked by: Mr. Cletus Gottlieb IV  |  Last update: October 30, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (65 votes)

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. The federal government has general rules that all state Medicaid programs must follow, but each state runs its own program.

What is the difference between state and federal Medicare?

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for some people with limited income and resources.

How does federal Medicaid work?

Like Medicare, Medicaid is an entitlement program. Eligible individuals have rights to payment for medically necessary health care services defined in statute; the federal government is obligated to fund a share of the outlays for those services. Variability in Medicaid is the rule rather than the exception.

Is there state Medicaid and federal Medicaid?

Related Resources. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that, together with the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health coverage to over 77.9 million Americans, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Why is Medicaid different in each state?

States determine their own standards for how to run the program, as long as they follow federal regulations, including who is eligible for services, what services can be covered by Medicaid and how hospitals and doctors will receive payments from Medicaid recipients, among other rules and requirements.

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36 related questions found

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

Does the federal government give states money for Medicaid?

The Medicaid program is jointly funded by both the federal government and state or territorial governments.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

How much does Medicaid cost per month?

Amounts. Most states adjust premium amounts by beneficiary income, with approved possible charges ranging from approximately $5 to $74 per month. Four states (AR, AZ, MI, and MT) have approved waivers to require monthly premium payments as a percentage of income.

Is all Medicaid the same?

Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines, but coverage and costs may be different from state to state. Some Medicaid programs pay for your care directly. Others use private insurance companies to provide Medicaid coverage.

Which person is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?

To be eligible to receive both Medicare and Medicaid, a person must qualify for either partial-dual or full-dual coverage. Eligibility for partial-dual coverage depends on the support that a person receives from Medicaid. Examples of the varied coverage may include: Part A premium (if applicable)

How much money does Medicare allow you to have in the bank?

This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.

What are three services not covered by Medicare?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

How many days will Medicare pay for a hospital stay?

Once you meet your deductible, Part A will pay for days 1–60 that you are in the hospital. For days 61–90, you will pay a coinsurance for each day. If you need to stay in the hospital for longer than 90 days, you can use up to 60 lifetime reserve days.

Is there a difference between state and federal Medicaid?

The federal government has general rules that all state Medicaid programs must follow, but each state runs its own program. This means eligibility requirements and benefits can vary from state to state. Medicaid offers benefits that Medicare doesn't normally cover, like nursing home care and personal care services.

Does Medicaid money come from Social Security?

Medicaid is a cooperative endeavor between each State and the Federal Government, and is financed by shared Federal and State funds.

Why is Medicaid so expensive?

The analysis confirms that enrollment, Federal and State Medicaid policy, and the prevalence of AIDS are among the factors significantly related to Medicaid expenditures.

Is it better to be on Medicare or Medicaid?

While Medicare is the primary payer for medical needs, Medicaid can cover costs that Medicare coverage does not. When you visit a provider that takes both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first for the cost of your care. Medicaid pays second, covering copays and other costs not covered.

Why do some people have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare-Medicaid enrollees include people ages 65 and over who are in relatively good health but have limited financial resources and people who at one time, may have had more financial resources, but spent their income and wealth on health or long-term care costs.