How to Tell Whether You Have Medicare or Medicaid

The Simplest Way to Check

The fastest way to know which program covers you is to look at your insurance card. If the card says Medicare anywhere on it, you have Medicare. If it says Medicaid, you have Medicaid. The card will also show your member ID number and the name of your state (for Medicaid) or your coverage type (for Medicare).

If you cannot find your card, you can call the phone number on any medical bill you received in the last year — the provider's billing department can tell you which program they have on file for you. You can also contact your state's Medicaid office directly, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and give them your Social Security number.

Do not assume you have one or the other based on your age or income alone. People under 65 can have Medicare if they receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or have end-stage renal disease. People over 65 can have Medicaid if their income is low enough. Some people have both programs at the same time, which is called "dual coverage."

Key Takeaways

Your insurance card will say either Medicare or Medicaid on it — that is the definitive answer.
If you do not have your card, call the phone number on a recent medical bill and ask which program is listed.
Medicare is a federal program based mainly on age or disability; Medicaid is a state program based mainly on income.
Some people have both programs at the same time, and you can have Medicare even if you are under 65.

What Your Card Tells You

A Medicare card is issued by the federal government and looks the same no matter which state you live in. It will have your name, a Medicare number (which is usually your Social Security number followed by a letter), and the date your coverage started. The card will also show whether you have Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (doctor and outpatient coverage), Part D (prescription drug coverage), or some combination of these.

A Medicaid card varies by state — there is no single national Medicaid card design. Your card will show your name, a member ID number, your state's name, and the name of your state's Medicaid program (such as "MassHealth" in Massachusetts or "Medi-Cal" in California). Some states issue physical cards; others send you a letter with your member number instead.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you will have two separate cards. Medicare comes first, and Medicaid is the secondary payer — meaning Medicare pays its share of your medical bills first, and then Medicaid may pay some of what Medicare does not cover.

How to Find Your Card If You Have Lost It

For Medicare, you can request a replacement card by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting Medicare.gov and signing into your account. You can also go in person to your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of citizenship. A replacement card usually arrives within two weeks.

For Medicaid, contact your state's Medicaid office directly. The phone number and website are different in every state, but you can find yours by searching "[your state name] Medicaid" online or by calling 211 (a free referral line) and asking for your state's Medicaid contact information. Some states let you look up your member number online if you create an account; others will mail you a replacement card.

Why the Difference Matters When You See a Doctor

When you go to a doctor's office or hospital, they will ask which insurance you have. If you say the wrong one, the office may bill the wrong program, which can delay payment and create confusion on your account. Handing over your card avoids this problem — the office will see exactly which program to bill.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, tell the provider you have both and show both cards. The office will bill Medicare first and then send the remaining balance to Medicaid. If you only show one card, the provider may not know to bill Medicaid for the unpaid portion, and you could end up responsible for a bill that Medicaid would have covered.

What to Do If You Are Not Sure You Have Either One

If you have not received any insurance card and do not remember signing up for either program, start by calling 211 or your state's Medicaid office. They can search their records by your name and Social Security number to see whether you are enrolled. If you are not enrolled in either program, they can tell you whether you may be able to enroll and how to do so.

If you are over 65 and have never signed up for Medicare, you should contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare enrollment is automatic for people who receive Social Security, but if you do not receive Social Security or if you delayed claiming it, you may need to enroll yourself. Missing the enrollment important date can result in a permanent penalty on your premiums.

Dual Coverage: When You Have Both Programs

Some people may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. This usually happens when someone is over 65 or disabled (which qualifies them for Medicare) and also has a low enough income to may have access to for Medicaid. When you have both, Medicare is always the primary payer — it pays first — and Medicaid is secondary.

If you have dual coverage, you will have two separate cards and two separate member ID numbers. You should show both cards when you visit a doctor or hospital. The provider will bill Medicare first, and if Medicare does not cover the full cost, the provider can then bill Medicaid for the remaining balance. This can save you money because Medicaid may cover costs that Medicare does not.

How to Update Your Information If It Changes

If you move to a different state, your Medicaid coverage will end in your old state. You will need to enroll in your new state's Medicaid program. You can do this by contacting your new state's Medicaid office or by explore online if your state offers that option. Your Medicare coverage continues no matter where you move, since it is a federal program.

If your income or household situation changes, you should report it to both programs if you have both. For Medicaid, contact your state's office — they may need to recalculate your income to see if you still may have access to. For Medicare, changes in income do not affect your coverage, but they may affect how much you pay in premiums, so it is worth reporting to Medicare as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. If you are 65 or older, or if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance, you may have Medicare. If your income is also low enough, you may have Medicaid too. When you have both, Medicare pays first and Medicaid pays second. You will have two separate cards and two member ID numbers.

What if my doctor says they do not take my insurance?

Both Medicare and Medicaid have networks of doctors and hospitals that accept them, but not all providers do. If your doctor does not take your insurance, ask your insurance plan for a list of doctors in your area who do, or call your state's Medicaid office or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for help finding a provider near you.

Do I have to pay anything if I have Medicaid?

Medicaid is free for most people, though some states charge small copays (usually $1 to $3) when you visit a doctor or fill a prescription. Your state's Medicaid office can tell you what copays, if any, explore to you. Medicare is not free — you pay a monthly premium for Part B and Part D, though Part A is free for most people.

What happens to my coverage if I move?

Medicare coverage continues in every state, so you do not need to do anything. Medicaid coverage ends when you move to a new state. You must enroll in your new state's Medicaid program by contacting that state's Medicaid office or explore online. Your coverage in the new state usually starts on the first day of the month after you explore.

How do I know if I lost my card or if it was never issued?

Call the program directly. For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE. For Medicaid, call your state's Medicaid office or 211. They can look up your name and Social Security number and tell you whether you are enrolled. If you are enrolled but never received a card, they can issue a replacement or give you a member number to use when ready.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.