Medicare is a federal government program that provides medical insurance for payment of expenses related to acute medical care and rehabilitation from short-term illnesses and injuries. Medicaid is a joint federal, state and local program that provides a broad range of medical and health benefits, including long-term care for those who are permanently ill, injured or disabled. The two programs are very different as to coverage, rules, and eligibility. Also, Medicare is essentially the same nationwide, but Medicaid differs, often significantly, from state to state.
