Can I have both Medicaid and Medigap?
Asked by: Juwan Blick | Last update: September 28, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (44 votes)
How does Medicaid work with Medicare supplement plans?
Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have. If you're dually eligible, Medicare covers your prescription drugs. You'll automatically be enrolled in a Medicare drug plan that will cover your drug costs instead of Medicaid. Medicaid may still cover some drugs that Medicare doesn't cover.
Can you have Medicare and Medigap at the same time?
When you're getting started with Medicare, you can either buy Medigap or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, but you can't have both.
Is it good to have both Medicaid and Medicare?
Dual eligibility
Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and are called “dual eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered. You can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Is Medigap better than Medicaid?
Medicaid is specifically designed to help low-income individuals pay for out-of-pocket costs. In contrast, Medigap plans often help high-income individuals — who aren't eligible for Medicaid — pay for their out-of-pocket costs.
Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
What is the downside to Medigap?
What are the disadvantages of a Medigap plan? There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
How many people have both Medicare and Medicaid?
They qualify for Medicare because they're at least 65 years old or because they're under age 65 and have a qualifying disability or medical condition. They qualify for Medicaid because they have low income and few resources. In 2024, about 12.8 million Americans are dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Why would someone have Medicare and Medicaid?
Can You Have Both Medicare And Medicaid? Yes – if you're 65 or older and meet your state's income requirements for Medicaid, you can sign up for both Medicare and Medicaid. Together, they offer more comprehensive health coverage at a lower cost.
How much does Medicaid cost per month?
Amounts. Most states adjust premium amounts by beneficiary income, with approved possible charges ranging from approximately $5 to $74 per month. Four states (AR, AZ, MI, and MT) have approved waivers to require monthly premium payments as a percentage of income.
Are Medigap policies being phased out?
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) made some additional changes to the Medigap market, prohibiting insurers from issuing new policies that cover the full Part B deductible, making Plans C and F no longer available to beneficiaries who turned age 65 on or after January 1, 2020.
Do Medigap premiums increase with age?
Attained-age-rated: Premiums are initially based on your age when you purchase a policy, and they increase as you get older (meaning you pay a different price at age 65 than you do at age 70). These premiums may be the lowest when you first buy them, but they are generally the most expensive over your lifetime.
What does Medigap not pay for?
Medigap plans generally don't cover: Long-term care (like care in a nursing home) Vision or dental care. Hearing aids.
Do I need a supplement if I have Medicaid?
The purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to cover the cost left by deductibles and coinsurance in Original Medicare, but as full Medicaid coverage should cover the majority of those costs, a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy isn't necessary.
What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?
If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.
What does it mean to have both Medicare and Medicaid?
When an individual has both Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare is the primary insurance and pays for most medical care. Medi-Cal is the secondary insurance, and it pays for costs not covered by Medicare and provides additional benefits not covered by Medicare.
What doesn't Medicaid cover?
- Dental Services. ...
- Cosmetic Surgery. ...
- Non-Prescription Drugs and Health Supplements. ...
- Experimental Treatments. ...
- Elective Abortions. ...
- Personal Comfort Items. ...
- Home Modifications for Disability. ...
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation.
What happens to my Medicaid when I turn 65?
While the ACA expanded Medicaid's income eligibility for non-elderly adults, the federal minimum standard for Medicaid eligibility for those 65 and older remained unchanged at approximately 75 % of the FPL.
What is the best health insurance for seniors over 70?
Medicare is the best health insurance for retirees and seniors. You can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or private, bundled coverage, called Medicare Advantage.
Can you have private insurance and Medicaid at the same time?
Even if you are already enrolled in your own or family's private health insurance, you may still qualify for Medicaid benefits. This is perfect for individuals who are given health insurance from their employer but are still struggling to make ends meet.
Is it better to be on Medicare or Medicaid?
While Medicare is the primary payer for medical needs, Medicaid can cover costs that Medicare coverage does not. When you visit a provider that takes both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first for the cost of your care. Medicaid pays second, covering copays and other costs not covered.
Will Medicaid take my social security check?
It is essential to know that Social Security benefits are not exempt from Medicaid. Payments you receive from Social Security are counted as income. Nevertheless, you are not automatically barred from obtaining Medicaid coverage just because you receive Social Security benefits.
Is Medigap being phased out?
For example, Medigap plans C and F will no longer be available to new Medicare recipients after January 1st, 2020.