Merritt Personal Lines Manual: Health Insurance: Medicare, Medicaid and Other Government Programs: Conclusion

Medicare and Medicaid aren't the only government programs that provide subsidized health insurance to Americans. The federal government offers smaller programs directed at focused groups; and state governments usually offer their own versions of subsidized health care for poor people. But Medicare and Medicaid are the main programs in the government system. Understanding their mechanics should help you navigate similar terrain.

And "navigating" is the right word. Whatever government agency runs them, these programs are full of intricate details that can make claims tough to file. Counseling services may be available in your state to provide advice concerning the purchase of Medicare supplement insurance and concerning Medicaid.

This chapter has considered the basic mechanics of the main government health insurance programs. It should give you a functional understanding of how to move through them effectively.