Most people think of Medicare as health insurance for people over age 65. Persons who have worked and paid into Social Security (or if their spouses have worked and paid into Social Security) are eligible for Medicare.

Lesser known is the fact that Medicare is also health insurance for people who are determined to be disabled under the Social Security rules. A person eligible for Social Security Disability will also receive Medicare benefits, regardless of age.

Some people are confused between Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid is a type of medical assistance health insurance, for people who have limited income and assets. Medicaid eligibility in Florida is determined either by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Social Security Administration (for SSI recipients).