Which statement correctly differentiates Medicare and Medicaid?

• A. Medicare serves low-income individuals of all ages
• B. Medicare is primarily for the elderly and disabled, while Medicaid serves low-income individuals across all ages.
• C. Medicare is a state program; Medicaid is federal
• D. Medicaid covers only dental care

Answer: (B)

Medicare and Medicaid are two separate programs with different aims and eligibility. Medicare is a federal program mainly for people age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, regardless of income. Medicaid is a needs-based program funded jointly by federal and state governments that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families across all ages. Because of these differences, the statement that Medicare serves primarily the elderly and disabled, while Medicaid serves low-income individuals across all ages, is the correct differentiation. The other statements blur who is covered, misstate who administers Medicare and Medicaid, or incorrectly limit Medicaid to dental care.