Medicare/Medicaid. Can you use it?

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

You must be 65 year of age or older to qualify for Medicare. It can also be used by people with certain disabilities.

Medicaid is an aid program for people under 65 who cannot afford insurance, or who have disabilities.

The Social Security Disability Insurance is for people under the age of 65 who have disabilities. Once on this insurance for two years, you can transition to Medicare despite your age. SSDI's number is 800/772-1213.

Visit Medicare's website to see if you qualify.
http://www.medicare.gov/.

You can also call your local Public Aid office.

Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state regulated program. So it varies from state to state. Call or visit your state's Department of Health care and Family Services website to get more information.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had a good overview of what the process entails.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp