What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicare?

Medi-Cal and Medicare are two distinct government-sponsored health insurance programs in the United States. The primary difference lies in the populations each program serves. Medi-Cal is designed to assist low-income individuals and families who meet specific eligibility criteria in California, providing comprehensive medical coverage, long-term care benefits, and certain preventive services. On the other hand, Medicare is a federal program available to most individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare consists of several parts, such as Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), which cover different aspects of healthcare. While both programs aim to provide affordable healthcare options, Medi-Cal focuses on serving low-income Californians, whereas Medicare provides coverage for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities nationwide.