How to use this page. Each row gives the English term you'll see on official forms and websites, the Chinese term (繁體中文) you may hear from family or community sources, and what it actually means. For the two program names people ask about most, see Medicare and Medicaid Explained in Chinese and 白卡 and 紅藍卡. For full definitions of every term on the site, see the Plain-English Glossary.
The programs
| English | Chinese (繁體中文) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare | 老年醫療保險（紅藍卡） | Federal insurance for people 65+ or with certain disabilities, the same in every state. |
| Medicaid | 醫療補助（白卡） | Joint federal-state coverage for people with low income; rules vary by state. |
| CHIP | 兒童健康保險計畫 | Low-cost or free coverage for children whose family earns too much for Medicaid. |
| The Marketplace | 醫療保險市場 | Where people under 65 without other coverage buy a private plan, often with a subsidy. |
| Dual eligible | 雙重資格 | Qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. |
| Medicare Savings Program (MSP) | 醫療保險儲蓄計劃 | A Medicaid-run program that helps pay Medicare premiums and costs for people with modest income. |
Money words
| English | Chinese (繁體中文) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | 保費 | The amount you pay, usually monthly, to keep your coverage active. |
| Deductible | 自付額 | What you pay out of pocket before your plan starts paying its share. |
| Copayment (copay) | 共付額 | A fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered service, like $20 for a doctor visit. |
| Coinsurance | 共同保險 | Your percentage share of a bill after the deductible is met, like 20%. |
| Extra Help | 額外補助 | A program that lowers Part D prescription drug premiums and costs for people with low income. |
| Premium tax credit | 保費稅收抵免 | A subsidy that lowers the monthly cost of a Marketplace plan based on income. |
Enrollment words
| English | Chinese (繁體中文) | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | 公開註冊期 | A yearly window when anyone can sign up for or change coverage. |
| Special Enrollment Period (SEP) | 特別註冊期 | A window to enroll outside Open Enrollment, triggered by a life change like losing other coverage. |
| Beneficiary | 受益人 | Someone who receives benefits from a program like Medicare or Medicaid. |
| Renewal / Redetermination | 續保 / 重新審核資格 | The periodic check that confirms you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. |
Common questions
Are 白卡 and 紅藍卡 official program names?
No. They are community nicknames based on the physical card colors. The official names are Medicaid (醫療補助) and Medicare (老年醫療保險). See 白卡 and 紅藍卡: What Medicaid and Medicare Actually Mean.
Can I get an interpreter when I apply for these programs?
Yes. Medicare and state Medicaid agencies are generally required to provide free interpreter services for people who need them. See Medical Interpreter Rights for how to request one.
Related MediPrimer guides
- Medicare and Medicaid Explained in Chinese
- 白卡 and 紅藍卡: What Medicaid and Medicare Actually Mean
- Plain-English Glossary (full A–Z)
- Coverage Basics
Official sources
- Medicare.gov
- Medicaid.gov
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
- HealthCare.gov Glossary