Can I Have Both Medicare and Medicaid?

This is a question we get quite frequently. Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid. This is called dual eligibility. Both are US government-sponsored insurance programs to help cover healthcare costs. But the simple answer is yes. You can have both.

Medicare is handled by the federal government and is typically based on age. Medicaid is handled by the states and is typically based on income. You do not have to choose which one to get. You can have them both, that is what is considered dual eligibility.

Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you have Medicare and full Medicaid coverage; most, if not all, your health care costs will be covered. Dual eligibility is categorized based on whether they receive partial or full Medicaid benefits.

When you have the benefit of having both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicare pays first and Medicaid pays last. Unless it’s long-term care. If Medicaid is covering a beneficiary’s long-term care, Medicare will be the primary payer for covered services like physical therapy or skilled nursing.

You can select an insurance plan for Medicare and Medicaid benefits, if you are dual eligible. It’s called a special needs plan or D-SNP. This plan covers both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. These plans may also cover expenses like hearing aids or over-the-counter items and vision or dental care.

Many seniors who live in nursing homes are dual eligible. Meaning they qualify for Medicare because of their age and Medicaid because of their income. It can be beneficial for you to do some investigating and researching the best options for what will work for you. 

To find out if you are qualified for dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid; It’s best to find the one that will work for you and your expectations for your lifestyle. Call Advanced Insurance Concepts today and Jim Rooney will work with you to find the best insurance policy.