What is the different between medical and medicare?

 

 

Medical and Medicare are two distinct terms that refer to different aspects of healthcare coverage:

1. Medical: "Medical" is a general term used to describe healthcare services, treatments, and procedures related to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or injuries. It encompasses a wide range of healthcare providers, facilities, and treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, laboratory tests, and other healthcare-related services.

2. Medicare: "Medicare" is a specific government-funded health insurance program in the United States. It primarily provides health coverage for individuals who are 65 years or older, certain younger individuals with disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare is administered by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare consists of different parts:

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home healthcare services.

• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps cover medically necessary services, including doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.

• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): These are private health plans approved by Medicare. They provide Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, and often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage.

• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Provides prescription drug coverage, which can be obtained through standalone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans or through Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage.

Medicare is available to eligible individuals, and enrollment is typically based on age or certain disabilities. It helps cover various healthcare costs, but it does not cover all medical expenses. There may be deductibles, copayments, and limitations on coverage, depending on the specific Medicare plan chosen.

It's important to note that the term "medical" is a broad term encompassing all aspects of healthcare, while "Medicare" refers specifically to a government-sponsored health insurance program in the United States for eligible individuals.