Why do some people have both Medicare and Medicaid?

Asked by: Leslie Koepp  |  Last update: March 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (33 votes)

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 are the benefits of having both Medicaid and Medicare?

Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and are called “dual eligibles.” If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage, most of your health care costs are likely covered. You can get your Medicare coverage through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Why would someone be on Medicaid and Medicare?

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.

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.

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.

How Medicaid Works with Medicare | Are you Dual Eligible?

33 related questions found

Is Medicare Part B free if you're over 65?

You have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you may wonder if it's worth the monthly premium costs to sign up for Part B. The answer varies with each person and the kind of other health insurance you have.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 much does Medicare cost at age 65?

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 QMB cover dental?

QMB, which is partial Medicaid, helps pay for services only if they are covered by Medicare. For example, QMB does not pay for dental or routine vision services because these services are not generally covered by Medicare.

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 best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

Is $200 a month good for health insurance?

Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old. The best way to get cheap rates is to use health insurance subsidies, which lower the cost of an insurance plan based on your income.

What type of medical insurance do most retirees have?

Since Medicare pays first after you retire, your retiree coverage is probably similar to coverage from a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. Both are likely to offer benefits that fill in some of the gaps in Medicare coverage—like coinsurance and deductibles.

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.

Does Medicaid cover 100% of hospital bills?

What Medicaid Covers. Once an individual is deemed eligible for Medicaid coverage, generally there are no, or only very small, monthly payments, co-pays or deductibles. The program pays almost the full amount for health and long-term care, provided the medical service supplier is Medicaid-certified.

What surgeries does Medicaid not cover?

Cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by Medicaid. Because nearly all cosmetic surgery is elective, taxpayer money can't be used to pay for it. In a few very rare cases, where it is medically necessary, the procedure may be covered. In these rare cases, pre-authorization would be required.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't 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.

Does Medicare pay for an ambulance?

Things to know. If using other transportation could endanger your health, Medicare will only cover ambulance services to the nearest appropriate medical facility that's able to give you the care you need.