Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

Asked by: Berneice Boehm  |  Last update: March 21, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (2 votes)

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. If you're dually eligible, Medicare covers your prescription drugs.

Do you lose Medicaid when you get Medicare?

Hello, It depends on if her income will change. Medicaid is a state program based on income, so it isn't affected by Medicare eligibility however if her income increases due to SSI benefits then she could lose Medicaid. There are many cases when Medicare beneficiaries have both Medicare and Medicaid.

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.

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.

What happens to my Medicaid when I turn 65?

While the ACA expanded Medicaid's income eligibility for non-elderly adults, the federal minimum standard for Medicaid eligibility for those 65 and older remained unchanged at approximately 75 % of the FPL.

Will I Lose My Medicaid If I Get Medicare? - CountyOffice.org

32 related questions found

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.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid in Ohio?

Eligibility: Adults are eligible with incomes up to 138% of poverty. Children are eligible with incomes up to 206% of poverty, and pregnant women are eligible with incomes up to 200% of poverty.

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 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.

Does Medicare pay more than Medicaid?

In general, Medicaid reimbursement rates tend to be much lower — usually equaling only about 78% of Medicare reimbursement. Further, the rates vary substantially across states and for specific procedures.

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 to get off Medicaid?

Reach out to your state's healthcare department, or head to your state's marketplace website if you'd like to do an online cancellation. Wait for a letter to come in the mail to confirm that your Medicaid is cancelled.

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.

How much money can I make and still get Medicaid in Ohio?

Is Your Income Low Enough for Income-Based Medicaid? These are the main income rules for income-based Medicaid: If your family's income is at or under 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) ($21,597 per year for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four), you may qualify.

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.

Do you have to pay back Medicaid in Ohio?

In fact, many people who have benefited from Medicaid do indeed die with money. If that person dies owning assets, the state of Ohio has the right to get paid back for the benefits it paid for that person to be on Medicaid and in the nursing home.

Does Medicaid actually check your income?

Some states use a computerized system to cross reference a Medicaid applicant's reported income. For instance, in California, an electronic database, the Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS), is used to match the income information provided by the applicant to other databases to verify it is accurate.

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.

Can you be banned from Medicaid?

The CMPL authorizes the Department and the OIG to impose CMPs, assessments and program exclusions against individuals and entities who submit false or fraudulent, or otherwise improper claims for Medicare or Medicaid payment.

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.

Does Medicaid pay for everything?

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.