Medicare and Medicaid are different federal programs, and each relates to nursing home care differently. This is a general, neutral overview — for coverage specifics, consult the official Medicare and Medicaid sources.
Key points
✓Medicare and Medicaid are separate programs with different rules.
✓Coverage details depend on individual circumstances and the official program rules.
✓Medicare.gov and Medicaid.gov are the authoritative sources.
Two different programs
Medicare is a federal health-insurance program, and Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. They have different eligibility rules and cover different services. In the context of nursing homes, people often ask which program applies to a given situation; the answer depends on individual circumstances and the official program rules.
Where coverage is defined
Coverage terms — including what is covered, for how long, and under what conditions — are defined by the programs themselves. The authoritative details are published on Medicare.gov and Medicaid.gov. This site does not determine coverage or eligibility.
How this relates to the CMS data here
The CMS ratings summarized on this site describe certified nursing homes, not a person's coverage. A facility's CMS certification and its Medicare/Medicaid participation are separate from whether a given individual's stay is covered. Use the official sources for coverage questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?▾
They are separate federal programs with different eligibility rules and covered services. Medicare is a federal health-insurance program; Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. Coverage in any situation depends on the official program rules — see Medicare.gov and Medicaid.gov.
Does this site tell me what my coverage is?▾
No. This site summarizes CMS ratings for certified nursing homes. It does not determine coverage or eligibility. The authoritative sources are Medicare.gov and Medicaid.gov.
Are the nursing homes on this site Medicare or Medicaid certified?▾
This site summarizes CMS data for certified nursing homes. A facility's participation and a person's coverage are separate matters; consult the official sources for coverage details.
Verify with official sources
SeniorCareRating.com organizes public CMS data and is not affiliated with CMS or any facility. Confirm current details on the official CMS Care Compare site and with the facility before making decisions.
SeniorCareRating.com summarizes public CMS data. It is not affiliated with CMS, Medicare.gov, or any nursing home. Data may lag current conditions. This is not medical, legal, or care-placement advice — always verify with official sources and qualified professionals.
