Is Medicaid based on income and Medicare based on age?

Medicaid eligibility is based on limited income and resources, with limits set by each state, so it depends on what you earn and own. Medicare eligibility is based mainly on age, starting at 65, or on a qualifying disability or condition, and does not depend on income to enroll. So the short version holds: Medicaid is the income-based program, Medicare is the age or disability based program. The nuance is that income still affects Medicare costs, since higher earners pay a surcharge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), and lower-income enrollees can get help with Medicare costs. To understand how both programs apply to your situation, reach out to a licensed Goodsurance advisor at 1-888-301-8091 (TTY 711), Mon to Fri 8 am to 5 pm PT.