difference between Medicare and Medicaid and how they work

One is for poor people, one is for old people.

If you aren't poor or old, you don't qualify.

 

Medicaid, you have to fall below certain income level with regards to household size. All while, qualification maximums are different in each state where certain states also have measures that can disqualify you or have you liable for estates recovery, such as estates value or having substantial mutual funds/401k/IRAs/stocks&bonds or Medicaid are legally able recoup funds, after you pass away.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/estate-recovery/index.html


Medicare, you pretty much age into at 65, everyone has pretty much paid into it unless they are farm workers or people who work for jobs or businesses that doesn't collect SS/Medicare taxes. The only you could qualify for Medicare, before 65 is if you are disabled or become disabled.

 

children with special needs etc fall under medicaid too i believe

 

In some cases Medicaid can also cover those who are disabled and can't work and those with serious mental health issues. I have a cousin who had liver failure in his 20s (then kidney failure and other major health issues) who has coverage because he is disabled and I have an uncle with schizophrenia who has been on it for decades.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, if you don't work 40 quarters/10 years, they charge you the Part A premium. Part A premium is typically free.