Is Passport Medicaid or Medicare? Understanding the Difference
When it comes to healthcare coverage in the United States, there are two important programs that often get confused – Medicaid and Medicare. One specific program that causes confusion is Passport, a healthcare program in Kentucky that provides coverage for eligible individuals. Many people wonder whether Passport is part of Medicaid or Medicare, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
Passport is a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) that serves eligible individuals in the state of Kentucky. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Medicare, on the other hand, is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals age 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities.
Passport operates as a Medicaid MCO, meaning that it provides healthcare coverage to individuals who are enrolled in the Medicaid program. However, this does not mean that Passport is the same as Medicaid. While Passport is one of several MCOs in Kentucky that provides Medicaid coverage, it is a separate entity from the Medicaid program itself.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that is funded by both the federal government and individual states. Each state administers its own Medicaid program, but it must adhere to federal guidelines in order to receive funding. Medicaid provides a wide range of healthcare services to eligible individuals, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and long-term care.
Passport serves as a managed care organization within the Medicaid program, meaning that it contracts with healthcare providers to deliver services to its members. Passport members receive their healthcare services through a network of providers that have agreements with the MCO. This helps to ensure that members receive quality care and helps to control costs for the Medicaid program.
Medicare, on the other hand, is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals age 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. Unlike Medicaid, which is funded by both the federal government and individual states, Medicare is funded entirely by the federal government. The program is divided into four parts – Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage).
While Passport is not part of the Medicare program, some individuals may be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare coverage. These individuals are known as “dual eligibles” and may receive their healthcare services through both programs. In these cases, Medicaid may serve as a secondary payer to Medicare, helping to cover costs that are not covered by the federal program.
In conclusion, Passport is a Medicaid managed care organization that provides healthcare coverage to eligible individuals in Kentucky. While Passport operates within the Medicaid program, it is a separate entity from the program itself. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, while Medicare is a federal program that provides coverage to individuals age 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. Understanding the differences between these programs is important for individuals seeking healthcare coverage and for those who provide healthcare services to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries.
