How many Americans have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Asked by: Scottie Tillman  |  Last update: August 6, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (20 votes)

12 million Americans have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. This is known as being “dual eligible,” meaning they get benefits from both programs to help pay healthcare costs.

How many people are on both Medicare and Medicaid?

In total, 12 million people are "dually eligible" and enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, composing more than 15% of all Medicaid enrollees. Individuals who are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, by federal statute, can be covered for both optional and mandatory categories.

What percent of Americans are on Medicaid and Medicare?

Of the subtypes of health insurance coverage, employment-based insurance was the most common, covering 53.7 percent of the population for some or all of the calendar year, followed by Medicaid (18.9 percent), Medicare (18.9 percent), direct-purchase coverage (10.2 percent), TRICARE (2.6 percent), and VA and CHAMPVA ...

Why would a person have both Medicare and Medicaid?

A person may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid based on their health and income level. If a person is dual-eligible, Medicare will usually pay for health expenses first, and Medicaid may help pay for out-of-pocket and noncovered expenses.

Is Medicaid the largest single insurer in the US?

Medicaid: The Medicaid program provides health care coverage to more than 70 million people, or one in five Americans, and is the nation's largest single source of health coverage.

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What are the downsides of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid

One of the primary reasons for this is that Medicaid reimbursements are lower than those of commercial insurers for most procedures and treatments.

Which state uses the most Medicaid?

California has more Medicaid and CHIP enrollees than any other state in the United States.

How many Americans are dual eligible?

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.

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 race uses Medicaid the most?

A larger share of Medicaid and CHIP enrollees are Hispanic and non- Hispanic Black than the U.S. population, and a smaller share are non-Hispanic White. Sources: 2020 T-MSIS Analytic Files Annual Demographic and Eligibility File, Release 1; 2020 Race/Ethnicity Imputation Companion File; 2019 American Community Survey.

How many people have no health insurance in the US?

In 2023, 26 million people — or 8 percent of the population — were uninsured, according to a report in September 2024 from the Census Bureau. While those numbers represent a significant portion of the population, the uninsured rate in 2023 remained at one of its lowest levels in history.

How much of the US budget goes to Medicare and Medicaid?

Historical NHE, 2023:

Medicare spending grew 8.1% to $1,029.8 billion in 2023, or 21 percent of total NHE. Medicaid spending grew 7.9% to $871.7 billion in 2023, or 18 percent of total NHE. Private health insurance spending grew 11.5% to $1,464.6 billion in 2023, or 30 percent of total NHE.

Which is the cheapest health insurance for senior citizens?

Medicare is the cheapest health insurance with the best benefits for people age 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability.

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.

Is Medicare's age changing to 67?

Beginning in 2026, the retirement age would be increased by two months each year until it reached 67. After it was fully phased-in in 2036, the retirement age would remain at 67.

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.

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.

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.

How many people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

12 million Americans have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. This is known as being “dual eligible,” meaning they get benefits from both programs to help pay healthcare costs. Let's take a look at Medicare and Medicaid, how to qualify for dual eligibility and more.

Do US dual citizens pay double taxes?

Key Takeaways

Dual citizens are often required to file tax returns in both countries. However, tax treaties and other benefits can be used to avoid double taxation. Using these benefits, most US dual citizens who live abroad can erase their US tax liability.

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.

What is the easiest state to get Medicaid?

The top states—ranked from 1 to 10—are Massachusetts, Nebraska, Vermont, Alaska, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Minnesota, New York, Washington, and New Hampshire.

What ethnicity uses Medicaid the most?

In the United States, during 2021-2023 (average), Medicaid coverage percent at the time of birth were highest for American Indian/Alaska Native women (65.4%), followed by Blacks (64.1%), Hispanics (58.6%), Whites (27.9%) and Asian/Pacific Islanders (24.0%).

Who is the largest Medicaid provider in the US?

Today, Centene is the largest Medicaid managed care organization in the nation serving 13.1 million members, and a leader in California, Florida, New York, and Texas, four of the largest Medicaid states.