How does a person qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

Asked by: Dr. Kristin Schulist II  |  Last update: September 13, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (3 votes)

To be eligible to receive both Medicare and Medicaid, a person must qualify for either partial-dual or full-dual coverage. Eligibility for partial-dual coverage depends on the support that a person receives from Medicaid. Examples of the varied coverage may include: Part A premium (if applicable)

Why would a person have both 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 I know if I am dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?

To qualify for dual eligibility, you must meet the requirements for both Medicare and Medicaid and be enrolled in both programs. For enrollment information, check out these resources: Sign up for Medicare. Apply for Medicaid coverage by state.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What are the three requirements for Medicare?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) are available to the individuals below:
  • Age 65 or older.
  • Disabled.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Who Is Eligible For Both Medicare And Medicaid? - CountyOffice.org

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Who is eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

How many people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?

In 2021, 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries or 13.1 million people, known as “dual-eligible individuals,” had both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Eligibility for Medicare, which is the primary source of coverage for dual-eligible individuals, is based on their age or disability status.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

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.

Should I get Medicare if I already have Medicaid?

In most cases, even if you have Medicaid, you must enroll in Medicare when you're eligible. This is because Medicare is the primary insurance and will provide benefits and coverage for the health care services you need. If you do not enroll when you're eligible, you may face a late enrollment penalty.

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.

Which term describes people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries. Dual-eligible beneficiaries (or “duals”) are enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, and in Medicaid (full benefits) and/or in Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).

Is Medicaid free for seniors?

Beyond routine and acute health care services, Medicaid covers long-term care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities. Since the program serves populations with limited resources, people who have Medicaid pay few to no out-of-pocket costs for their benefits.

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

How much do seniors pay for Medicare per month?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).

Does Medicaid monitor your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances at any financial institutions you use during the month you apply or during a 60-month look-back period.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their social security?

To qualify for a Medicare giveback benefit, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You must be responsible for paying the Part B Premiums; you should not rely on state government or other local assistance for your Part B premiums.

Can you get Medicare for free?

Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs. $0 for most people (because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough while working - generally at least 10 years). If you get Medicare earlier than age 65, you won't pay a Part A premium. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”

Who gets denied Medicaid?

The most common reason an applicant is denied Medicaid is income or assets above the eligibility criteria. In most states in 2025, an applicant's monthly income must be less than $2,901/month, and their assets (including money in bank accounts) must be less than $2,000.

What triggers a Medicaid investigation?

Although each state statute is slightly different, MFCU investigations always involve: billing fraud involving the Medicaid program; abuse and neglect of residents within facilities that receive Medicaid payments; and. misappropriation of patient funds by such health care facilities.

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.