Medicaid and Medicare: Student Health Care in the US

Pursuing an academic education in the United States involves not only intellectual challenges, but also a series of financial and logistical commitments — and among them, access to healthcare plays a central role. International students and even legal residents are often unaware that they may be eligible for public healthcare programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare , depending on their profile and immigration status.

Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income individuals, including some economically vulnerable students. Medicare , which is primarily intended for seniors and people with disabilities, is available to certain students who meet specific requirements.

If you are studying or planning to study in the US and want to better understand how public health coverage for students works, this content provides valuable guidance. Below, we explain clearly and strategically how these programs work, what the eligibility criteria are, and what steps you can take to access this support with confidence.

Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare: Understand the Two Healthcare Programs

Medicare and Medicaid are both public health programs in the United States, but they differ significantly in target audience, financing structure, and scope of coverage.

Medicare is a federal insurance policy available to people over age 65 or people with certain disabilities, standardized nationally in Parts A, B, C, and D. Medicaid is intended for low-income individuals and families, and is administered jointly by the states and the federal government, with regional variations in requirements and services.

Understand the main differences between the two programs:

• 🎯 Eligibility criteria : Medicare is defined by age (65+) or disability; Medicaid, by income level and economic status;
• 💵 Financing : Medicare is funded by federal payroll taxes and premiums; Medicaid has federal-state co-financing, which varies by state;
• 🏥 Coverage of services : Medicaid typically covers long-term care, such as assisted living, that is not fully covered by Medicare;
• 🌍 Geographic standardization : Medicare offers uniform coverage across the country; Medicaid varies according to rules and policies defined by each state;
• 🔄 Dual coverage : In cases of eligibility for both, the programs can be combined to expand coverage and reduce shared costs.

Understanding these distinctions is essential to making more strategic decisions about accessing public healthcare in the U.S. — especially if you are a student, foreign worker, or resident seeking ongoing, affordable medical support.

Who can apply for Medicaid: Requirements, income, and coverage

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate low family income , legal residency in the country, and, in some cases, fall into specific categories, such as pregnant women, children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Eligibility can vary substantially between states, especially in those that have joined the expansion of the program provided for by the Affordable Care Act.

The maximum allowable income is generally calculated based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and may vary depending on family size and local cost of living.

Medicaid coverage covers a wide range of essential medical services, such as office visits, hospitalizations, lab tests, preventive treatments, and medications. For low-income students and young adults, Medicaid may be the only viable option for ensuring continued, quality health care.

How Medicare Works for Seniors and People with Disabilities in the US

Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities in the United States is based on a federal insurance plan structured in four parts — A, B, C and D — offering coverage for hospitals, doctors, drugs and alternative plans administered by private insurers . 

Check out how Medicare works in detail below:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): covers hospitalizations, ward care, and home health services at no premium cost for those who have contributed to the system ;
• Part B (Medical Insurance): finances consultations, tests, medical equipment and prevention, through monthly premium payments and possibly co-payments ;
• Part C (Medicare Advantage): alternative private plans that combine A, B (and usually D), with additional benefits and a limited network ;
• Part D (Prescription Drugs): covers drugs through a specific plan, with varying deductibles and co-payments.
• Early Eligibility: SSDI beneficiaries for 24 months, or diagnoses such as ESRD and ALS, may have access before age 65.

Understanding these nuances is essential for older adults and people with disabilities to plan for efficient access to public health care, avoiding coverage gaps and maximizing available benefits.

Documents required to apply for free or subsidized medical care

To apply for free or subsidized health care in the United States, such as Medicaid or certain types of Medicare , you must provide robust documentation that proves your legal, financial, and residential eligibility. These programs require rigorous verification of immigration status, personal identity, and socioeconomic conditions.

Required documents include: proof of photo ID (passport or driver’s license), Social Security number (when applicable), recent income statement , current proof of residence , and, in some cases, medical documents that justify early access due to disability.

Step-by-step guide to applying for Medicaid and Medicare online

States with greater coverage and ease of access to programs

For those looking for the states with the greatest coverage and ease of access to public health care programs in the US, some stand out for their comprehensive services and operational efficiency. Massachusetts , Rhode Island and Vermont stand out , as they have the highest Medicaid coverage rates — over 68% of the eligible population.

States with outstanding coverage and easy access:

• 🏥 Massachusetts – ~76% coverage, with MassHealth integrating broad medical services ;
• 🏥 Rhode Island – ~69% coverage, efficient management and comprehensive services ;
• 🏥 Vermont – ~69% coverage, with initiatives like Dr. Dynasaur expanding reach ;
• 🏥 California (Medi-Cal) – leads in absolute number of beneficiaries and offers expansive eligibility ;
• 🏥 New York – second largest in scope, with uniform coverage and complementary services .

These states combine significant coverage, inclusive policies and advanced technological systems, facilitating access and retention of those eligible for public health assistance programs.

Tips to avoid rejections and speed up your approval for health programs