Medicare
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What it is: A federal health insurance program, the same in every state.
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Who qualifies:
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Adults 65 and older, regardless of income.
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Younger people with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
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Coverage:
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Part A – Hospital insurance (inpatient care, skilled nursing, hospice).
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Part B – Medical insurance (doctor visits, preventive services).
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Part C (Medicare Advantage) – Private plans that bundle A & B, often with extras like dental/vision.
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Part D – Prescription drug coverage.
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Costs: Generally includes premiums, deductibles, and co-pays (though Part A may be premium-free if you paid enough Medicare taxes).
Medicaid (Florida Medicaid)
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What it is: A joint federal and state program, run by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
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Who qualifies:
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Low-income individuals and families.
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Seniors with limited income and assets.
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Pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities.
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Nursing home residents or those needing long-term care (through Medicaid Waiver or Institutional Care Program).
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Coverage:
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Hospital and doctor visits.
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Long-term care (nursing homes, assisted living, home care) — something Medicare does not fully cover.
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Prescription drugs (with limitations).
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Dental and vision (for children, limited for adults).
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Costs: Usually free or very low cost, but strict income and asset limits apply. In Florida, seniors may need tools like a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) to qualify.
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