Your grandmother might qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, but it's Medicare she should look into for health insurance options. Medicare is the social insurance program of the U.S. government that provides health insurance coverage to individuals aged 65 and up, those with Lou Garrets disease, those receiving disability benefits from SSA for at least 24 months, and those who have end-stage renal disease. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a health program intended for people with limited resources and low income. Medicare and Medicaid have different benefits for people who qualify for these health insurance programs. In your grandmother's case, she'll automatically become eligible for Medicare when she turns 65. This is assuming that she has paid into Medicare for at least 10 years. She will get Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) for free. She has an option to get Part B (medical insurance) if she agrees to pay the premium every month (this is usually deducted from her Social Security Administration check each month). There's also Part C and Part D which she can get if she wants to. If your grandmother is not eligible for Medicare because she hasn't paid her Social Security dues for at least 10 years before she turns 65, then she might opt for Medicaid if she has limited resources. She must first show that she has limited assets before she can qualify for Medicaid's benefits. Medicaid usually pays for the doctor's bills, prescriptions, and other medical services. Your grandmother can also try talking to her insurance agent to inquire about Medicare and Medicaid. The agent might be able to eplain her other options for health insurance. - June 19, 2009 @ 3:39 pm