Medicare is a Federal health insurance program which may provide for skilled care and therapies in a long-term care setting, providing that the Medicare recipient meets skilled level of care criteria. Those who qualify are eligible for up to a 100 day skilled benefit period of care as long as the Medicare recipient continues to make progress in their care/therapies.Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program that will pay for care in a long-term care setting if the resident does not have the financial means to be able to cover the cost of care. The Medicaid applicant must be medically eligible and meet financial criteria.