People are often confused about the differences between Medicare & Medicaid.
Medicare is a government health program, available to everyone over the age of 65 or on Social Security Disability for two years. Eligibility for Medicare is not tied to individual need. Rather, it is an entitlement; you are entitled to it because you or your spouse paid for it through Social Security taxes.
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a major federal government social welfare program that is based on financial need, primarily for low income individuals. Although you may qualify and receive coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid, there are separate eligibility requirements for each program; being eligible for one program does not necessarily mean you are eligible for the other.