"The Essentials: Medicare and Medicaid,” a Free Booklet Available from the MetLife Mature Market Institute

The MetLife Mature Market Institute® has a new guide, "The Essentials: Medicare and Medicaid,” available free to the public. The publication is a concisely written how-to guide for older Americans and their families, which answers basic and in-depth questions about both health care programs, including the most common: "what’s the difference between the two?”

"Most Americans, once they reach age 65, are eligible for Medicare,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "These people and their children will need to know what benefits are due to them, how to apply, and how to navigate the system, once they’re enrolled. The process can seem complicated at first, but there are both public and private resources available to assist those who have questions.”

Medicare is a federally funded program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that is a source of health insurance available to most Americans age 65 and over and certain individuals under age 65. For many Americans it is their only source of health insurance. However, it is not all-inclusive in its coverage and includes premiums, deductibles and other costs which are important for individuals to understand.

Medicaid, which is jointly funded by state and federal governments, covers medical services for Americans of all ages who have limited income and assets and meet certain other conditions in addition to financial eligibility requirements. The Federal government has established broad national guidelines under which each state can administer its program and establish its own eligibility guidelines and scope of covered services. Some individuals may be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

"The Essentials: Medicare and Medicaid,” contains answers to questions on the following topics:

• Medicare eligibility
• How to apply
• Premiums, deductibles, co-payments
• Program options
• Medicare guidelines for home health care, hospice
• Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
• Medigap & supplemental insurance
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C)
• Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
• Expenses not covered by Medicare
• Medicaid eligibility
• Services covered under Medicaid

The guide also lists resources and publications that provide additional information about Medicare and Medicaid. These include the names, telephone numbers and Web addresses for such organizations as the Social Security Administration and CMS, and a description of services offered from additional government and privately funded organizations, including the Medicare Rights Center, BenefitsCheckUp and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

The MetLife Mature Market Institute®

Established in 1997, the Mature Market Institute (MMI) is MetLife’s research organization and a recognized thought leader on the multi-dimensional and multi-generational issues of aging and longevity. MMI's groundbreaking research, gerontology expertise, national partnerships, and educational materials work to expand the knowledge and choices for those in, approaching, or caring for those in the mature market.

MMI supports MetLife’s long-standing commitment to identifying emerging issues and innovative solutions for the challenges of life. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading provider of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin American, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

For more information about the MMI, please visit: www.maturemarketinstitute.com.

"The Essentials: Medicare and Medicaid” can be downloaded from www.maturemarketinstitute.com; on the home page, see "In Focus.” It can also be ordered by e-mailing maturemarketinstitute@metlife.com or by writing to: MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880.