How many people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid?

Asked by: Mr. Alek Prosacco  |  Last update: October 19, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (51 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. Let's take a look at Medicare and Medicaid, how to qualify for dual eligibility and more.

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.

Why would you 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.

How many people in the US use Medicaid and Medicare?

Today there are over 12.2 million Medicare-Medicaid enrollees in the United States.To provide a greater understanding of the Medicare-Medicaid enrollee population, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has put together State profiles that examine the demographic characteristics, utilization, condition ...

Does everyone get 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.

Medicare vs Medicaid What You Need to Know | The Difference + Who Qualifies

16 related questions found

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.

Who is eligible for Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicaid is for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. Eligibility and benefits vary considerably from State to State. Medicare insurance is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities and people with End Stage Renal Disease.

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.

Why are some US citizens without healthcare coverage?

Lack of access to affordable health coverage is the main reason many people say they are uninsured. A majority of working age adults in the U.S. obtain health insurance through an employer; however, not all workers are offered employer-sponsored coverage or, if offered, can afford their share of the premiums.

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.

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.

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).

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.

What happens when you are on Medicaid and turn 65?

Therefore, following the ACA's coverage expansion, many newly-insured older enrollees will face a complex insurance transition on their 65th birthday: they will lose Medicaid coverage and transition from Medicaid to Medicare as their primary insurer.

How much does health insurance cost for a 62 year old woman?

The average cost of health insurance for someone between the ages of 62 and 65 can vary significantly based on factors like location, health status, and the type of plan chosen. Here is an approximation of average costs for various types of coverage: ACA Marketplace: $800 to $1,200 per month (without subsidies)

Why would someone have Medicare and Medicaid?

People who have both Medicare & Medicaid

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.

How do you know if you're dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?

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

What does Medicaid cover for seniors?

Mandatory benefits include services including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, and home health services, among others. Optional benefits include services including prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

How many people are eligible for 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.

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.

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 8 things does Medicare not cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

How much money does Medicare allow you to have in the bank?

This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.

What is the 3 day rule for Medicare?

Medicare's "Three-Day Window" rule ("Rule") requires that certain hospital outpatient services and services furnished by a Part B entity (e.g., physician, Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)) that is "wholly owned or operated" by the hospital be included on the hospital's inpatient claim.