Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays medical bills for people who are at least 65 years of age or who are disabled.  It is available to individuals who receive Social Security regardless of how much income they have.  Medicaid is a program that pays the medical bills of people who are low income and meet other eligibility requirements.  It is run by the State and pays costs using State and federal tax money.  In Michigan, Medicaid is administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health, and through local offices of the Department of Human Services (DHS) located in each county.

Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes.  Both programs can work together.  If you receive Medicare and qualify for Medicaid, the Medicaid program will pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium.  This program is called the Medicare Savings Program.  Medicaid may also pay your Medicare co-payments and deductibles.  If you are 65 or over and have not worked long enough to have Medicare Part A covered, then Medicaid will cover the cost of your Medicare Part A premium. 

How can I get Medicaid?
All people who receive money through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically receive Medicaid.  If you do not get SSI you, or a spouse, parent, legal guardian or other individual who is at least age 18 or married, must file an application with DHS to see if you are eligible.  To qualify for full Medicaid a person must have either limited assets and income or high medical expenses (asset limits also apply to people with high medical expenses), and must be 65 years of age or older, blind, disabled or be receiving SSI.  Assets are cash, money in checking or savings accounts, stocks, savings bonds, trusts, annuities or any other money that you have saved or invested.  Assets also include things like boats, trailers, real estate or life insurance.  Medicaid does not count personal property such as your car, clothing or furniture, and there are special considerations for how a home may count as an asset.

Can Medicaid help me stay in my home?
There are two programs available through Medicaid in Michigan that can help older adults or younger adults with disabilities receive Medicaid services in their own home or chosen place of residence.  Home Help is a program of DHS that gives support to individuals who are unable to care for themselves adequately at home.  This program provides funds for individuals to hire helpers to assist them with daily activities such as eating, personal care, taking medicine, preparing meals, shopping and homemaking.  The amount of funding an individual receives depends on the individual’s physical and mental condition and home situation, and is determined by a DHS worker. 

The MI Choice Home and Community Based Waiver program is also available to individuals 65 years of age or older, or younger adults with disabilities that are Medicaid eligible and require a nursing home level of care.  Through the MI Choice program, a care plan for the individual is developed, and a care manager helps monitor the plan as individual needs change.  Services that are covered through this program include personal care, homemaking, respite for caregivers, adult day health services, home delivered meals, transportation, personal emergency response systems and fall prevention in the home.

How can I find out more information about Medicaid?
The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is a state wide program with funding from the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging through a grant provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Federal Medicare agency.  MMAP counselors are available in local communities across Michigan to help individuals with questions about Medicare and Medicaid.  In addition to answering questions about Medicaid eligibility, counselors can discuss Medicaid programs such as Home Help and MI Choice, and can provide you with more information on Medicare including Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare Part D, and Medicare Advantage Plans.  To speak with a counselor in your area, call 800-803-7174.