What is the Difference Between Social Security and Medicare?

Social Security vs Medicare

Social Security and Medicare form a financial basis on which millions of retirees depend on each month. 

But while they are related, the two programs are fundamentally different in nature. 

Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits are cash retirement and disability benefits that are paid each month to eligible retirees and disabled persons. 

The amount of the payments depend on several factors, such as how long the recipient worked, how much they earned and when they start collecting benefits. 

Disability benefits depend on the level of disability of the applicant and other medical factors. 

Social Security does not offer any type of insurance benefits except for Medicare.

Medicare

Medicare is a nationwide medical insurance program that covers various types of medical expenses and services. 

Part A covers hospital care up to certain limits while Part B covers doctor’s visits and other similar services. 

Part D covers prescription drug coverage and other parts of Medicare cover other types of expenses. 

Medicare does not pay for all expenses, so many people opt to purchase Medicare supplemental insurance to help “fill in the gaps” . 

But Medicare never pays out any type of cash benefit to anyone under any circumstances.

Medicare Part B charges a monthly premium for most retirees. 

Many of them opt to have their Medicare premiums deducted from their Social Security benefits each month instead of paying for them out of pocket. 

Social Security can also be a taxable benefit, whereas all benefits that are paid out through Medicare are never taxed.

What is the Difference Between Social Security and Medicare FAQs