How do you qualify for dual eligibility?

Asked by: Norene Hintz III  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (44 votes)

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, you may qualify for dual eligible benefits if5:
  1. You are enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A, Part B, or both); and.
  2. Receive full Medicaid benefits; or.
  3. Get help with your Medicare out-of-pocket costs through a Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

What are the criteria for dual-eligible individuals?

People who are entitled to both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dually eligible individuals, fall into several eligibility groups. These individuals may either be enrolled first in Medicare and then qualify for Medicaid or vice versa.

Which patient would the nurse identify as being dual-eligible for federal health care resources?

3 If you are like more than 12 million people aged 65 or older in the United States who may need extra assistance paying for some or all the costs of your healthcare, you may qualify as a dual-eligible beneficiary. 1 This means that you can receive health benefits through both Medicare and Medicaid.

How many people are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?

They qualify for Medicaid because they have low income and few resources. In 2024, about 12.8 million Americans are dual-eligible beneficiaries. Typically, they have more complex health care needs than the average Medicare enrollee.

Who is eligible for UnitedHealthcare dual complete?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans

This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.

Dual Eligibility Plans for Seniors: Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know

20 related questions found

How do I know if I qualify for DSNP?

Do I qualify for a D-SNP?
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful, permanent resident.
  • Qualify for original Medicare (Parts A & B)
  • Meet the income and asset requirements for your state's Medicaid program.
  • Live in a service area where D-SNPs are available.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

Why do some people have dual Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare-Medicaid enrollees include people ages 65 and over who are in relatively good health but have limited financial resources and people who at one time, may have had more financial resources, but spent their income and wealth on health or long-term care costs.

How do you qualify for extra Medicare benefits?

Automatically qualify for Extra Help for any of these reasons: You have both Medicare and Medicaid. You're in a Medicare Savings Program (MSP). You get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

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.

What is the difference between dual eligible and DSNP?

Dual Special Needs Plans are for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual eligible"). A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a unique Medicare Advantage plan that combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Can you have Medicaid and private insurance at the same time in 2024?

The simple answer to the question of “can you have both Medicaid and private insurance?” is a resounding “YES”! Medicaid is given to low-income U.S citizens in need and will not be disputed due to already enrolled in a private health insurance program.

Can you have both Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan you'll still have Medicare, but you'll get most of your Part A and Part B coverage from your Medicare Advantage Plan, not Original Medicare.

Do I need Medicare Part B if I have Medicaid?

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you're what's known as dual eligible - and your state Medicaid program will pay your Part B premiums. Medicare provides medical coverage and benefits to people age 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability.

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:
  • State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
  • Primary care case management (PCCM)
  • Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
  • Limited-benefit plans.

What is the dual-eligible criteria?

Highly Integrated Dual-Eligible (HIDE) SNPs must meet the requirements of coordination-only D-SNPs and must also have a Medicaid plan operating in the same counties as the D-SNP. The parent organization provides both Medicare and Medicaid services, but there is no requirement that the same people enroll in both plans.

Can you have two health insurances with Medicare?

If you have Medicare and other health insurance (like from a group health plan, retiree coverage, or Medicaid), each type of coverage is called a "payer." The "primary payer" pays up to the limits of its coverage, then sends the rest of the balance to the "secondary payer."

What disabilities are eligible for Medicare?

Qualifications for Those with Disabilities to Get Medicare

Medicare eligibility for those under 65 includes people who already receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, those diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and individuals living with End-Stage Renal Disease.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

Is my income too high for Medicaid?

The income limits for Medicaid applicants can change depending on the state where they live, their marital status and the Medicaid program. In general, however, the income limits are low. In most states in 2025, the income limit for receiving long-term care at home or in a nursing home through Medicaid is $2,901/month.

Who qualifies for Medicare special needs plans?

To be eligible for a special needs plan, an individual must fit into one of the following groups: People who live in certain institutions (like nursing homes) or who require nursing care at home. People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Can you have Medicare and UnitedHealthcare at the same time?

Most UnitedHealthcare dual-eligible plans do not charge a separate monthly premium. People eligible for Medicare may also qualify for the program that helps lower the cost of prescription drugs. The Extra Help program may help pay your Medicare Part D monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription copayments.

What is a DSNP card?

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), also known as disaster food stamps, helps you pay for food if you live in a state with an Individual Assistance declaration from the president. D-SNAP provides funds on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to pay for food.