There are two main types of public insurance: Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicaid is a state-run program designed for people who are unable to pay for private insurance. It is only available to low-income families. Covered services vary from state to state.
Medicare is health insurance the federal government provides to people who are 65 years of age or older. It can also cover people with certain health problems such as those that need dialysis or transplant. Medicare has four parts:
- Part A helps cover stays at hospitals and nursing facilities.
- Part B helps pay for doctors' visits and certain outpatient care.
- Part C allows people to get coverage through private health plans.
- Part D covers some prescription medicine costs.
This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.