Joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income individuals, covering 93 million Americans
Low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, children, and people needing long-term care
Federal health insurance program for Americans 65+, covering 66 million beneficiaries
Americans 65+, people with ESRD or ALS, and certain disabled individuals under 65
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65+ and certain younger individuals with disabilities, funded through payroll taxes. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program for low-income individuals and families, with eligibility and benefits varying by state.
Medicare is age-based (65+) and federally standardized. Medicaid is income-based and state-administered. Some people qualify for both ('dual eligibles'). Medicare covers more seniors; Medicaid covers more total enrollees including children and low-income adults.
Choose Medicaid if
Low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, children, and people needing long-term care
| Metric | Medicaid | Medicare | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollees | 93 million | 66 million | +41% |
| Annual Federal Spending(USD) | $616 billion | $944 billion | -35% |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated Mar 2026.
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Choose Medicare if
Americans 65+, people with ESRD or ALS, and certain disabled individuals under 65
Medicaid
Income-based
Medicare
Age-based (65+)
Medicaid
Little to none🏆
Medicare
$174.70+/month (Part B)
Medicaid
Covered🏆
Medicare
Not covered
Medicaid
Smaller (state-dependent)
Medicare
Large nationwide🏆
Medicaid
Any time🏆
Medicare
Annual enrollment periods
Medicaid
State-run
Medicare
Federally-run
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Yes. About 12 million Americans are 'dual eligibles' who qualify for both programs. Medicaid can help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and services Medicare doesn't cover like long-term care.
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| Attribute | Medicaid | Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollees | 93 million | 66 million |
| Annual Federal Spending(USD) | $616 billion | $944 billion |
| Monthly Premium(USD) | $0-$20 (most states) | $174.70 (Part B standard) |
| Deductible (Hospital)(USD) | $0 in most states | $1,632 per benefit period |
| Covers Dental | Yes (most states) | Limited (Advantage plans only) |
| Covers Long-term Care | Yes | No (custodial) |
| Income Limit | Yes (138% FPL in expansion states) | No income limit |
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
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