Life Insurance:The Difference Between Medicaid And Medicare
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by Don Bethune
Medicaid and Medicare have a few things in common. Both are entitlement insurance programs which have been guaranteed by the federal government for decades. But, as we shall see, that is where the similarities end and the major differences begin.
Medicare is intended for people at least sixty five years old. In contrast, Medicaid is for younger patients who are either disabled or on dialysis. As a government-run program, Medicaid is funded by contributions from taxpayers. Medicaid beneficiaries may also pay for a percentage of their doctor visits, hospital stays in addition to paying a deductible.
Medicare is another insurance program that is run by our government, yet each state and or county has different rules and guidelines. This is a social service program, meaning that it mostly insures the lower income class of people. Struggling single parents, homeless people, low income workers, immigrants both legal and illegal. Medicare does not cost the patient anything, nor do they ever have to pay it back.
I believe that Medicaid is a good program because Medicaid recipients have already contributed to the pot. Therefore they have earned the services they receive. However, Medicare appears to be a program that is more easily manipulated by those who know how to game the system. I feel this is unfair and easily abused. Moreover, I feel that only citizens of the United States should be eligible to receive medicare benefits. It is unfair for people to immigrate here illegally and receive the same benefits as a citizen like myself.
Why should we focus on the benefits of citizenship? In fact a decent number of lower income Americans are unfairly excluded from these entitlement programs while an illegal immigrant might be eligible for Medicare among other programs. While Medicaid has good intentions it, like many things, is in desperate need of a overhaul in several areas.
While Medicaid is a great program that like most things could use a makeover, nothing too drastic though. Perhaps something like lower co payments or possibly a rebate of some sort in the form of a check or gift card.
On the other hand, Medicare requires dramatic changes, especially a tightening of its eligibility guidelines. Imagine how much waste would be eliminated if taxpayers’ dollars were spent on programs that assisted those who are most desperately in need of a helping hand.
Taking health care into the 21st century requires that we unite as a country and demand positive change with a single, unified voice. Perhaps then our demand for change will be heard and there can be lasting change for the future. Some may not like real change, but the majority of Americans would experience a real improvement.
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