Medicare and Medicaid and the Impact of Health Care Reform Initiatives

Bhs 450 Case 3
Student’s Name
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Course Number and Name
Instructor’s Name
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Bhs 450 Case 3
Medicaid Quiz
The student scored highly on the quiz because they understand what Medicaid stands for in the United States. For instance, they know that it is a joint program between federal and state governments that covers medical costs for less fortunate people. In addition, the student is also alive to the fact that Medicaid is the nation's principal public-financed health insurance program (KFF, n.d.). The program also plays a pivotal role in facilitating the delivery and financing of long-term care with mandatory and optional benefits. Last but not least, the student is aware that the program caters to seniors with complex conditions and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Difference between Medicaid and Medicare
More often than not, the terms Medicaid and Medicare create confusion among many people. As such, some erroneously assume they mean the same thing. While the two are health insurance programs, they have distinct differences. For instance, Medicare is a federal program run by a federal agency called the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (HHS.gov, 2022). The program offers health insurance to people aged 65 and above or those below 65 but with particular conditions and disabilities. Since the program is a federal one, it means that its coverage remains the same in all states.
On the flip side, Medicaid is a joint health insurance program between federal and state governments. It caters to individuals of all ages, provided they have limited income and resources (NICA: Infusion Centers, 2020). In addition, Medicaid programs have mandatory and optional benefits, and costs vary depending on an individual’s income or state guidelines. Moreover, Medicaid offers additional benefits that Medicare does not. For example, the program encompasses nursing home care and personal care services. Last but not least, people under the program do not pay any amount for covered medical expenses.
The Evolvement of Medicare
It goes without saying that the world, given its dynamism, is evolving at an incredible pace. This continues to affect the operations of different entities in diverse and unique ways. As such, it is incumbent upon entities to change with the changing time to remain relevant and competent. That said, Medicare has engaged in concerted efforts to keep pace with changing needs of society. Since its inception in 1965, the program has undergone radical changes to enable it to provide affordable health insurance to deserving citizens.
First, the program has flexible premium prices with deductions coming from Social Security premiums. These premiums are put into place to entice members of the public to sign up, failure to which they are constrained to pay a penalty once they attain the age of 65. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)...