Yes, you can have both Medicaid and Medicare, and millions of people do

If you are 65 or older, or if you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare. If your income and assets are low enough, you also become may be able to access for Medicaid. When both explore to you, you have both — they work together rather than replacing each other. People with both programs are called dual may be able to access.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program based on age or disability status. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program based on income and assets. They cover different things and have different rules, so having both means you have broader coverage than either program alone. Your state determines whether you are may be able to access for Medicaid, and the income and asset limits vary by state.

The main reason to understand dual may be able to access is that it changes how your coverage works. Medicare is your primary insurance — it pays first. Medicaid is secondary — it covers some of what Medicare does not. This matters when you go to the doctor, fill a prescription, or enter a nursing home, because the order in which the programs pay affects what you owe out of pocket.

Key Takeaways

  • You can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time if you meet the age or disability requirements for Medicare and the income and asset limits for Medicaid in your state.
  • Medicare pays first, and Medicaid covers some costs that Medicare does not pay, which can lower your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
  • Income and asset limits for Medicaid vary by state, so you must check your state's rules to know whether you may have access to.
  • Dual may be able to access people often pay lower premiums, deductibles, and copays than people with Medicare alone.

How Medicare and Medicaid work together

When you have both programs, Medicare is always the primary payer. This means when you receive medical care, Medicare processes the claim first and pays its share based on what it covers. Then the claim goes to Medicaid, which reviews what Medicare did not pay and covers some or all of that remaining cost, depending on your state's rules.

For example, if you see a doctor and the visit costs $100, Medicare might pay $80 and leave you responsible for $20. Medicaid then receives the claim and typically pays that $20, leaving you with no bill. The exact amount Medicaid covers depends on your state — some states cover more than others.

This arrangement protects you from high out-of-pocket costs. People with Medicare alone often face deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. People with both programs usually pay much less because Medicaid fills in the gaps. However, the specific coverage and cost-sharing rules depend on which type of Medicare plan you have and which state you live in.

Income and asset limits vary by state

Medicaid may be able to access is not the same everywhere. Each state sets its own income and asset limits for people over 65 or people receiving SSDI. Some states are more generous than others, and the limits change from year to year.

Generally, if you are 65 or older and your monthly income is below a certain threshold — often around $900 to $1,100, though this varies — you may be may be able to access for Medicaid. Asset limits also vary, but many states allow you to own a home, one car, and a small amount of cash or savings without losing may be able to access. The exact numbers depend on your state.

To find out whether you may have access to in your state, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can locate it through your state's health department website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, which can direct you to your state's Medicaid program. Do not rely on general income figures you find online — your state's rules are what matter.

Types of dual may be able to access coverage

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be enrolled in one of two types of coverage arrangements. Understanding which one you are in affects what you pay and which doctors and hospitals you can use.

Original Medicare with Medicaid means you have traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicaid covers your gaps. You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Medicaid pays your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. This is the most common arrangement for dual may be able to access people.

Medicare Advantage with Medicaid means you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) and Medicaid covers additional costs. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and often have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. However, they usually limit you to doctors and hospitals in their network. Some states require dual may be able to access people to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, while others let you choose.

What Medicaid covers that Medicare does not

Medicare does not cover long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Medicaid does cover nursing home care if you meet the medical and financial requirements. This is one of the most important reasons dual may be able to access people have better coverage — if you need extended nursing home care, Medicaid can pay for it after you have spent down your assets to the Medicaid limit.

Medicaid also covers some dental care, vision care, and hearing aids in many states, while Medicare covers very little of these services. Medicaid may cover transportation to medical appointments, which Medicare does not. Some states use Medicaid to cover prescription drugs that Medicare does not, though this varies widely.

The specific services Medicaid covers beyond Medicare depend on your state. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what additional coverage you have.

How to enroll in both programs

If you are already receiving Medicare, you do not need to do anything to stay enrolled. If you are not yet on Medicare and you turn 65, you become may be able to access automatically, though you should enroll during your initial enrollment period to avoid penalties.

To enroll in Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, citizenship, and residency. The process process and required documents vary by state. Some states have online applications, while others require you to explore in person or by mail.

If you are already on Medicaid and you turn 65 or become may be able to access for Medicare through disability, your state Medicaid office should notify you. You will still need to enroll in Medicare itself — Medicaid enrollment does not automatically enroll you in Medicare. Contact Social Security or Medicare directly to complete your Medicare enrollment.

Common mistakes to avoid

One mistake is assuming your state's Medicaid rules are the same as another state's. Income limits, asset limits, and covered services differ significantly. Always check your own state's rules rather than relying on information from a friend or family member in another state.

Another mistake is not enrolling in Medicare when you become may be able to access. If you delay Medicare enrollment without a valid reason, you may face permanent penalties on your premiums. Even if you think Medicaid will cover everything, you must enroll in Medicare to avoid these penalties.

A third mistake is not reporting changes in income or assets to your Medicaid office. If your circumstances change — you receive an inheritance, your income increases, or you move to a different state — tell Medicaid right away. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you may have to repay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my Medicaid if my income goes above the limit?

You will lose Medicaid coverage. Income limits are strict, and if your income exceeds your state's threshold, you are no longer may be able to access. However, some states have programs that let you keep Medicaid even if your income is slightly above the limit, so contact your state Medicaid office to ask about exceptions or work incentive programs.

Can I choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage if I have Medicaid?

It depends on your state. Some states let dual may be able to access people choose either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Other states require you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Contact your state Medicaid office to learn what options you have.

Do I have to pay Medicare premiums if I have Medicaid?

Medicaid pays your Medicare Part B premium for you if you are dual may be able to access. You may still owe Part D premiums for prescription drug coverage, depending on your state and income. Medicaid may help with Part D premiums as well, but this varies by state.

What if I move to a different state?

You will need to explore for Medicaid in your new state, because each state has its own program and its own rules. Your Medicare coverage continues, but your Medicaid coverage ends when you move unless you explore in your new state. Contact your new state's Medicaid office as soon as you move.

Can I have Medicaid and Medicare Advantage at the same time?

Yes. If your state allows it, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and keep Medicaid. Medicaid will cover costs that Medicare Advantage does not, such as copays and coinsurance. However, some states require dual may be able to access people to use specific Medicare Advantage plans designed for people with both programs.