Medicare & Medicaid
There are two medical programs run by the U.S. government. One, Medicare, is paid for contributions from workers' paychecks. The cost of the means-tested program for low-income folks, Medicaid, is split between the federal and state governments, though their general funds.
Medicare pays for most of the cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, doctors' visits, labratory expenses, prescription drugs, and much other medical care for older and disabled Americans, but it still leaves almost half of all medical costs unpaid. Most people need a medigap insurance policy or Medicare managed care plan (Medicare Part C) to cover the gaps in Medicare.
For those with low income and assets, Medicaid can pay for medical expenses for who don't qualify for Medicare—or can cover the gaps in Medicare for those who do.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage explained.
Many federal and state government benefits are tied to the federal poverty level (FPL), or percentages of the FPL.
Medicaid is a program that provides very low-cost or free health care to some adults and children with limited incomes.
In North Carolina, Medicaid is a common funding source for long-term care, particularly when people have already used up all of their own assets to pay for private care.
Many individuals who apply for Medicaid find that they have too many assets to qualify.
If you applied for Medicaid and your state Medicaid agency denied your application, then you can appeal the denial.
A growing number of patients recovering from surgery or a major illness are referred by their doctors to skilled nursing facilities.
The QMB, SLMB, and QI programs help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Learn how to qualify.
The categories of medical treatment and services listed below are not covered by Medicare.
Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Online Form
Elder Care Agreement
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
More Legal Issues
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Corporations Car Accidents Criminal Law Debt Management Disability Law Divorce & Family Law
Learn About Our Team
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Need a Lawyer? We Can Help
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Describe Your Case
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
Get Connected
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Hire an Attorney
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
Nolo Legal Dictionary
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Are You an Attorney?
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Copyright ©2025 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.
Your Privacy Choices