Is it illegal to have Medicaid and private insurance?
Asked by: Emie Hammes | Last update: August 19, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (14 votes)
Can you have Medicaid and other insurance at the same time?
It is possible for Medicaid beneficiaries to have one or more additional sources of coverage for health care services.
Can I private pay if I have Medicaid?
(a) A provider may refuse to accept a patient as a Medicaid patient and bill the patient as a private pay patient only if the provider informs the patient that the provider will not bill Medicaid for any services or supplies but will charge the patient for all services or supplies provided.
Can you have medical and private insurance at the same time?
Medi-Cal managed care plans do not stop beneficiaries from enrolling in private health insurance plans. If a Medi-Cal beneficiary is currently enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan, and subsequently purchases private health insurance, they will not be disenrolled from the Medi-Cal managed care plan.
Can you have both public and private health insurance?
There are several scenarios in which someone may be covered by multiple health insurance plans, including: An individual might supplement their private health insurance plan with a government program, such as Medicaid or Medicare.
What’s With This 5 Year Medicaid Rule?
Can you have 2 health insurances at the same time?
Can I have 2 health insurance plans at the same time? Yes. A process called coordination of benefits determines which insurance plan will pay first. Your primary plan will pay for the health claim first, paying the costs up to the plan's coverage limits, and then your second plan will kick in.
Can you use Medicare and private insurance at the same time?
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."
Can I get Medicaid if I have insurance?
Generally yes, as long as you qualify to use the Marketplace. Most people whose incomes are just above the level to qualify for Medicaid can pay very low premiums and out-of-pocket costs for private health insurance through the Marketplace. Check if you'll qualify for savings.
What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Can I have Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Yes, you can maintain your employer-sponsored insurance plan as your primary coverage while also qualifying for Medicaid, which would pay for, generally speaking, any qualifying expense that your primary plan doesn't cover.
Can you get in trouble for having Medicaid and private insurance?
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 Medicare Medicaid and private insurance?
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. If you're dually eligible, Medicare covers your prescription drugs.
Why do private practices not take Medicaid?
Prior research suggests that physicians believe Medicaid's low reimbursement rates prevent practices from adequately investing resources to improve quality.
Can I have Medicaid and private insurance on Reddit?
Something to look into is sometimes if you are on Medicaid and have the option for private insurance, you can have both and Medicaid will act as secondary payer and pick up any copays that you would have with the private insurance and also pay your premiums.
How does secondary insurance work?
Secondary insurance is when someone is covered under two health plans; one plan will be designated as the primary health insurance plan and the other will be the secondary insurance. The primary insurance is where health claims are submitted first.
What are the four types of Medicaid?
- State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
- Primary care case management (PCCM)
- Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
- Limited-benefit plans.
Do you need supplemental insurance with 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.
Is it worth having secondary health insurance?
Having multiple health insurance plans can expand your healthcare options and minimize costs. However, the premium and administrative costs can be prohibitive, and two plans might only end up providing redundant coverage.
Is it better to have Medicaid or no insurance?
Medicaid provides more comprehensive benefits than private insurance at significantly lower out-of-pocket cost to beneficiaries, but its lower payment rates to health care providers and lower administrative costs make the program very efficient.
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.
Can I have medical and private insurance?
Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
Fortunately, Medicaid enrollees will not lose their benefits if they sign up for Medicare. As long as you are eligible for both programs in your state, you will continue to receive benefits from both Medicaid and Medicare. Things will work a little differently though.