Medicare Blog

how to be dual eligible for medicare and medicaid

by Ms. Zoe Kirlin III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Differentiating Medicare and Medicaid. Persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles”, or sometimes, Medicare-Medicaid enrollees.
  • Definition: Dual Eligible. To be considered dually eligible, persons must be enrolled in Medicare Part A, which is hospital insurance, and / or Medicare Part B, which is medical insurance.
  • Benefits of Dual Eligibility. Persons who are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare may receive greater healthcare coverage and have lower out-of-pocket costs.
  • Eligibility Requirements. Since Medicare is a federal program, eligibility is consistent across the states. Persons must be U.S. Citizens or legal residents residing in the U.S. ...
  • Becoming Medicaid Eligible. Please note that income and assets over the Medicaid limit (s) in one’s state is not cause for automatic disqualification.

Definition: Dual Eligible
Persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles”, or sometimes, Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. To be considered dually eligible, persons must be enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), and / or Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
Feb 11, 2022

Full Answer

What is Medicare dual eligible and how do I qualify?

What type of coverage do you get if you are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. This program helps pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program. The SLMB program helps pay for Medicare Part B premiums.
  • Qualifying Individual (QI) Program. ...
  • Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) Program. ...

What does dual eligible mean in Medicare?

“Dual Eligible” is a term given to beneficiaries of both Medicare and Medicaid. In order to receive Medicare benefits, an individual must be at least 65 years of age or a recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months.

Who is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?

You can also get Medicare and Medicaid if you’re under 65, have certain disabilities and have low income and asset levels. Since Medicare does not cover many types of home or nursing care considered to be custodial care, Medicaid often is the go-to source for care at home or in a nursing home. Who qualifies for dual eligible?

What is full benefit dual eligible?

dual-eligible beneficiaries: People who are jointly enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid and who are eligible to receive benefits from both programs. All dual-eligible beneficiaries qualify for full Medicare benefits, which cover their acute and postacute care.

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When can a patient have both Medicare and Medicaid?

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.

What does it mean if a Medicare patient is dual eligible?

Dual-eligible beneficiaries are individuals who receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. The two programs cover many of the same services, but Medicare pays first for the Medicare-covered services that are also covered by Medicaid.

Which is a combination Medicare and Medicaid option that combines medical?

What are dual health plans? Dual health plans are designed just for people who have both Medicaid and Medicare. They're a special type of Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan. Dual health plans combine hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage.

What is a partial dual eligible?

“Partial dual eligible” is a term used to describe Medicare beneficiaries who receive financial assistance for certain Medicare costs from their state Medicaid program. These individuals don't qualify for full Medicaid benefits from their state, like long-term services and supports or behavioral health services.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. For example, in 2022 it is $13,590 for a single adult person, $27,750 for a family of four and $46,630 for a family of eight.

Can dual citizens get Medicare?

People who are dually enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dually eligible individuals, fall into several eligibility categories. These individuals may either be enrolled first in Medicare and then qualify for Medicaid, or vice versa.

How can I qualify for Medicaid?

Am I eligible for Medicaid?65 years of age or older.An individual under 65 years of age who has a disability, or is visually impaired according to Social Security guidelines.An individual 18 years of age or younger.An adult age 19-64.A pregnant woman.A parent or caretaker.A former foster care youth.

What are the disadvantages of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid They will have a decreased financial ability to opt for elective treatments, and they may not be able to pay for top brand drugs or other medical aids. Another financial concern is that medical practices cannot charge a fee when Medicaid patients miss appointments.

Which is a combination Medicare and Medicaid option that combines medical social and long term care services for frail people?

Related Sources. The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, community-dwelling elderly individuals, most of whom are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

Can you have medical and Medicare at the same time?

The short answer to whether some seniors may qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) is: yes.

What is United Healthcare Dual Complete?

A UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plan is a DSNP that provides health benefits for people who are “dually-eligible,” meaning they qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Who qualifies? Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for both Medicare and Medicaid is qualified to enroll in a DSNP.

What is a dual SNP plan?

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) enroll individuals who are entitled to both Medicare (title XVIII) and medical assistance from a state plan under Medicaid (title XIX). States cover some Medicare costs, depending on the state and the individual's eligibility.

How many people are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in 2020?

Millions of Americans are eligible for both programs, 12 million according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as of February 2020. These beneficiaries are referred to as dual-eligible.

How old do you have to be to qualify for medicare?

Medicare eligibility is the same regardless of where you live. It is set by the federal government. To be eligible for Medicare, you need to be 65 years or older or have a qualifying disability. In addition, you must also meet U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency requirements .

What is Medicaid for low income?

Medicaid is intended to offer health care to individuals with low income across various categories: children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Does Medicare pay for Part A premiums?

Medicare Savings Program, if you are fortunate to qualify for one, can help to cover additional costs. For those who qualify for the QMB program, Medicaid will pay your Medicare costs, including Part A premiums, Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Medicaid requires that you sign up for prescription drug coverage through Medicare, whether that be with a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug benefits, also known as an MA-PD plan. If you partake in the Extra Help program, a low-income subsidy for prescription drug benefits, however, you must enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Part D, not a Medicare Advantage plan. It may be the case that some medications not covered by your Medicare plan will be covered by Medicaid.

Does Medicare pay for health care?

Paying for Your Health Care. Generally speaking, Medicare pays first and Medicaid pays second. What costs Medicare leaves on the table can oftentimes be taken care of by Medicaid. The amount paid by Medicaid, however, has a limit that is set by each state.

Can you get medicaid if you are on Medicare?

Don't assume that because you are on Medicare that you don't qualify for Medicaid. In fact, for millions of seniors, the exact opposite is true. If you are struggling to make ends meet in your retirement years, look to see if you are eligible for Medicaid. This may be the most reasonable way to cut your healthcare costs.

What is dual eligible?

Full dual eligible refers to those who receive full Medicaid benefits and are also enrolled in Medicare. People who are full dual eligible typically receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which provide cash assistance for basic food ...

What is partial dual eligibility?

Partial dual eligibility includes those who receive assistance from Medicaid in order to help pay for Medicare costs such as premiums, coinsurance or deductibles. Partial dual eligibles fall into one of four categories of eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs.

What is the Medicare and Medicaid program?

Another Medicare and Medicaid program is PACE, or Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE helps older Medicare beneficiaries to seek health care within their community, in their home and at PACE facilities. Some of the things that can be covered by PACE include: Adult day primary care. Dental care.

What is QMB in Medicare?

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. This program helps pay for Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Eligibility requires: Income of no more than $1,061 per month for an individual in 2019, or $1,430 per month for a married couple.

What is a special needs plan?

A Medicare special needs plan is a certain type of Medicare Advantage plan that is designed for people with specific health conditions or circumstances. A D-SNP is built for the specific needs of dual eligibles. All Medicare SNPs (including Medicare D-SNPs) provide prescription drug coverage.

What is a dual SNP?

If you are Medicare dual eligible, you may qualify for a Medicare D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plan), which is a type of Medicare Advantage plan. 61.9 million Americans are Medicare beneficiaries. 1 In 2019, more than 12 million Americans were dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and are enrolled in both programs. 2.

What is an annual special enrollment period?

An annual Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Part D plan or switch to a new one. Elimination of Part D late enrollment penalties. You automatically qualify for Extra Help if you are enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income or a Medicare Savings Program.

What is dual eligible for medicaid?

Qualifications for Medicaid vary by state, but, generally, people who qualify for full dual eligible coverage are recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSI program provides cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or disabled to help them meet basic food and housing needs.

What is dual eligible?

The term “full dual eligible” refers to individuals who are enrolled in Medicare and receive full Medicaid benefits. Individuals who receive assistance from Medicaid to pay for Medicare premiums or cost sharing* are known as “partial dual eligible.”.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance health plans that provide all Part A and Part B services. Many also offer prescription drug coverage and other supplemental benefits. Similar to how Medicaid works with Original Medicare, Medicaid wraps around the services provided by the Medicare Advantage plan andserves as a payer of last resort.

What is Medicaid managed care?

Medicaid managed care is similar to Medicare Advantage, in that states contract with private insurance health plans to manage and deliver the care. In some states, the Medicaid managed care plan is responsible for coordinating the Medicare and Medicaid services and payments.

When will Medicare become the main health insurance?

July 08, 2020. Most Americans understand that when they turn 65, Medicare will become their main health insurance plan. However, many Americans are less familiar with another health care program, Medicaid, and what it means if they are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. If you are dual eligible, Medicaid may pay for your Medicare ...

Does Medicare cover Part A and Part B?

Some Medicare beneficiaries may choose to receive their services through the Original Medicare Program. In this case, they receive the Part A and Part B services directly through a plan administered by the federal government, which pays providers on a fee-for-service (FFS) basis. In this case, Medicaid would “wrap around” Medicare coverage by paying for services not covered by Medicare or by covering premium and cost-sharing payments, depending on whether the beneficiary is a full or partial dual eligible.

Is Medicaid a payer of last resort?

Medicaid is known as the “payer of last resort.”. As a result, any health care services that a dual eligible beneficiary receives are paid first by Medicare, and then by Medicaid.

Who Is Dual Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in 2022?

If you meet the required qualifications for Medicare and Medicaid in 2020, you may be dual eligible.

How Do Medicare and Medicaid Work Together?

When a person is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, Medicare serves as the primary payer and Medicaid is the secondary payer.

What Are the Benefits of Being Dual Eligible in 2022?

If you are dual eligible, you can benefit from both Medicare and Medicaid. You may also qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) .

What Is a Medicare Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)?

Beneficiaries who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may also qualify for a Medicare Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), if one is available where you live.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Can Help Pay for Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs

If you are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, you may be able to apply for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan that’s available where you live.

Who can answer Medicaid questions?

SHIP counselors can answer some of your Medicaid questions and refer you to local Medicaid officials to help with others. The National Council on Aging has a benefits checkup website that has information on Medicare, Medicaid and other programs that help older Americans.

What is QDWI in Medicare?

The Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI) program only helps pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities, under age 65, who are currently working and lost their premium-free Part A benefit when they began to work.

How much is Medicare Part A deductible?

The Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) deductible, which for 2019 will be $1,364 for hospital stays. Both Medicare Part A and Part B copays and coinsurance. The Medicare Part D premium, deductibles and copays for prescription drugs. Coverage for those costs is available through the Extra Help program, which Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program ...

What is excluded from the $2,000 asset test?

Excluded from the $2,000 asset test are such things as your home, one car, some burial expenses, some life insurance and household and personal items. States generally look back at an applicant’s assets for five years to make sure they haven’t divested themselves of those resources just to qualify for Medicaid.

Does Medicare cover dual eligible?

While there are some national eligibility and benefit requirements, each state has its own Medicaid eligibility standards and decides which optional services it will cover and how much it is willing to pay for health care that Medicare doesn’t cover. Here’s what you need to know about the dual eligible programs:

Does Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Nursing home care and home- and community-based long-term services and supports. In some states, Medicaid will cover benefits that Medicare does not , such as dental care, transportation to and from doctor visits, eyeglasses, physical therapy and other services.

Does full medicaid have higher thresholds?

As with full Medicaid, some states have higher resource thresholds. Casey Schwarz at the Medicare Rights Center says that “one of the biggest problems we see is that people assume they aren’t eligible and don’t apply. People should look into what the income and asset guidelines are for their state.”.

Which pays first, Medicare or Medicaid?

Medicare pays first, and. Medicaid. A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. pays second.

What is original Medicare?

Original Medicare. Original Medicare is a fee-for-service health plan that has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles). or a.

Does Medicare have demonstration plans?

Medicare is working with some states and health plans to offer demonstration plans for certain people who have both Medicare and Medicaid and make it easier for them to get the services they need. They’re called Medicare-Medicaid Plans. These plans include drug coverage and are only in certain states.

Does Medicare Advantage cover hospice?

Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits, excluding hospice. Medicare Advantage Plans include: Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. . If you have Medicare and full Medicaid, you'll get your Part D prescription drugs through Medicare.

Can you get medicaid if you have too much income?

Even if you have too much income to qualify, some states let you "spend down" to become eligible for Medicaid. The "spend down" process lets you subtract your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid. In this case, you're eligible for Medicaid because you're considered "medically needy."

Can you spend down on medicaid?

Medicaid spenddown. Even if you have too much income to qualify, some states let you "spend down" to become eligible for Medicaid . The "spend down" process lets you subtract your medical expenses from your income to become eligible for Medicaid.

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

. Medicaid may still cover some drugs and other care that Medicare doesn’t cover.

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Programs

  • Although they may sound similar, Medicare and Medicaid are two very different programs. One is intended to provide health care to the elderly and/or disabled while the other offers healthcare to the poor.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Results

  • Millions of Americans are eligible for both programs, 8.3 million according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These beneficiaries are referred to as dual eligible. Understanding how the programs work together will help you make the most of your healthcare experience.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Qualification

  • Medicare eligibility is the same regardless of where you live. It is set by the federal government. To be eligible for Medicare, you need to be 65 years or older or have a qualifying disability. In addition, you must also meet U.S. citizenship or permanent legal residency requirements.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Purpose

  • Medicaid is intended to offer health care to individuals with low income across various categories: children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, adults without children could also be covered if their state accepted the terms of Medicaid Expansion.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Benefits

  • It could be the case that you are eligible for Medicaid benefits based on your income and assets. Another way to meet criteria for Medicaid is to qualify for benefits from one of the Medicare Savings Programs offered through your local Medicaid office. If you are eligible for Medicare and meet criteria for Medicaid or one the following four programs, you may be dual eligible.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Access

  • Medicaid requires that you sign up for prescription drug coverage through Medicare, whether that be with a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug benefits, also known as an MA-PD plan. If you partake in the Extra Help program, a low-income subsidy for prescription drug benefits, however, you must enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and Part D, not a Me…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Cost

  • Although Medicare does pay for stays in skilled nursing facilities after a hospitalization, it does not contribute to long-term nursing care. After qualifying hospital stays in 2018, your Part A benefits will pay for all nursing home expenses up to 20 days. For days 21 to 100, you will pay a copayment of $167.50 per day, and for nursing home stays longer than that, you will pay the full …
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Services

  • Medicare is not an all-inclusive program. Dental, hearing, and vision screening are not offered nor are dentures, hearing aids, or corrective lenses (contact lenses or eyeglasses) among other healthcare services. If your state Medicaid program offers these services, you may benefit from the added coverage.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prevention

  • Don't assume that because you are on Medicare that you don't qualify for Medicaid. In fact, for millions of seniors, the exact opposite is true. If you are struggling to make ends meet in your retirement years, look to see if you are eligible for Medicaid. This may be the most reasonable way to cut your healthcare costs.
See more on verywellhealth.com

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