Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare
Medicaid is a joint state and federally-funded program that pays for health care services on behalf of financially eligible individuals who meet specific criteria. Eligibility guidelines for all Medicaid categories are set by each state. Therefore, eligibility guidelines usually differ from state to state. Eligibility for New Mexico Medicaid is usually determined by the Human Services Department?s Income Support Division (ISD). In some cases, determinations are also made by the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) or the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Medicare is a federally-funded health insurance program that provides benefits to individuals age 65 and older, to those who have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 consecutive months, and to those who have end-stage renal disease. Eligibility guidelines are set on a federal level and are the same nationwide. Eligibility for Medicare is determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).