Medicare Blog

who qualifies for medicare and medicaid at the same time

by Dr. Arch Nitzsche Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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A person’s health and income level may qualify them for both Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, Medicare will generally cover healthcare costs initially, and Medicaid assists with out-of-pocket and non-covered expenses. Medicaid eligibility varies by state, as well as the income level restrictions.

Many seniors who live in nursing homes are dual eligible: they qualify for Medicare based on their age, and Medicaid because of their financial circumstances. It is also common for Medicare beneficiaries who are under 65 and live on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to receive Medicaid benefits.

Full Answer

Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Some Americans qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, and when this happens, it usually means they don’t have any out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Beneficiaries with Medicare and Medicaid are known as dual eligibles – and account for about 20 percent of Medicare beneficiaries (about 12.3 million people). Dual eligibles are categorized based on whether they …

What is a dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid?

Feb 11, 2022 · One must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal U.S. resident residing in the states for a minimum of 5 years immediately preceding one’s Medicare application. One must also be a minimum of 65 years old OR disabled OR have end-stage renal disease OR have Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Can you be enrolled in both Medicare Advantage and Medicaid?

Nov 18, 2021 · Can I have both at the same time? If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you can have them both simultaneously. When you have both it means that you are unlikely to have any out-of-pocket medical expenses. Around 20 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are also eligible for Medicaid. They are called dual-eligible .

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid eligibility?

Mar 14, 2022 · Can you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicaid at the same time? The short answer is yes – in certain cases. People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and are called “dual eligibles.” With both types of coverage, most health care costs and expenses will be covered, and there will be very few out-of-pocket costs.

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What is Medicare dual eligible?

Persons who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are called “dual eligibles”, or sometimes, Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. Since it can be easy to confuse the two terms, Medicare and Medicaid, it is important to differentiate between them. While Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors and disabled persons, Medicaid is a state and federal medical assistance program for financially needy persons of all ages. Both programs offer a variety of benefits, including physician visits and hospitalization, but only Medicaid provides long-term nursing home care. Particularly relevant for the purposes of this article, Medicaid also pays for long-term care and supports in home and community based settings, which may include one’s home, an adult foster care home, or an assisted living residence. That said, in 2019, Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) began offering some long-term home and community based benefits.

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

Citizens or legal residents residing in the U.S. for a minimum of 5 years immediately preceding application for Medicare. Applicants must also be at least 65 years old.

Does Medicare cover out-of-pocket expenses?

Persons who are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare may receive greater healthcare coverage and have lower out-of-pocket costs. For Medicare covered expenses, such as medical and hospitalization, Medicare is always the first payer (primary payer). If Medicare does not cover the full cost, Medicaid (the secondary payer) will cover the remaining cost, given they are Medicaid covered expenses. Medicaid does cover some expenses that Medicare does not, such as personal care assistance in the home and community and long-term skilled nursing home care (Medicare limits nursing home care to 100 days). The one exception, as mentioned above, is that some Medicare Advantage plans cover the cost of some long term care services and supports. Medicaid, via Medicare Savings Programs, also helps to cover the costs of Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.

What is dual eligible?

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. As an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), persons may opt for Medicare Part C, which is also known as Medicare Advantage.

How much does Medicare Part B cost?

For Medicare Part B (medical insurance), enrollees pay a monthly premium of $148.50 in addition to an annual deductible of $203. In order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, one must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The monthly premium varies by plan, but is approximately $33 / month.

Does Medicare provide long term care?

Long-Term Care Benefits. Medicaid provides a wide variety of long-term care benefits and supports to allow persons to age at home or in their community. Medicare does not provide these benefits, but some Medicare Advantage began offering various long term home and community based services in 2019. Benefits for long term care may include ...

What is the income limit for Medicaid in 2021?

In most cases, as of 2021, the individual income limit for institutional Medicaid (nursing home Medicaid) and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) via a Medicaid Waiver is $2,382 / month. The asset limit is generally $2,000 for a single applicant.

What is Medicare for 65?

Medicare coverage is for adults 65 and older and those with certain qualifying medical conditions or disabilities. To qualify, you would need proof of age, proof of income (to determine how much your deductible is), residency or citizenship documentation, and more. Since Medicare is a government insurance program, ...

How are Medicare premiums paid?

Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. ... , deductibles, copays, and more. Medicaid assists with these costs, but you may be required to use an approved Medicaid health plan.

Is Medicare a fee for service?

Original Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage.... , but private health plans are also available. Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare is not end-to-end healthcare.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

The benefit is the plan will have very low copays and very few additional fees. Medicare is for those aged 65 and older or those with disabilities or specific medical conditions. Medicaid is for people of any age, with or without medical conditions, so long as they meet the state’s economic conditions.

Does Medicare cover skilled nursing?

Medicare covers most of the costs associated with skilled nursing after an inpatient stays in the hospital. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, a stay at a skilled nursing facility will cost very little. After inpatient treatment, many patients need more outpatient care in the home setting.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare ( Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B).... . Some smaller, rural counties may not have SNP plans but will have a local Medicaid plan.

What is deductible insurance?

A deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share. ... Coinsurance is a percentage of the total you are required to pay for a medical service. ... , and copays, are the beneficiary’s responsibility.

Who are the dual-eligible recipients?

People who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid are referred to as dual-eligible beneficiaries. Moreover, each state determines Medicaid coverage, and as a result, Medicaid benefits may differ.

Medicare Ineligibility

The Medicare eligibility requirement is that you must be 65 years old or older. If you or your spouse are 65 years old or older and have paid enough Medicare taxes through previous employment, you or your spouse may be eligible for premium-free Part A of the Medicare program (hospital coverage).

Medicaid Ineligibility

Medicaid eligibility varies depending on where a person resides, as various states have different qualifications.

Dual eligibility

A person must qualify for either partial-dual or full-dual coverage to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Variations in geography

Medicaid benefits and coverage vary from one state to the next, and there are differences between them. Depending on the state, Medicaid coverage may be available to those who earn more than the standard income limits.

Medicare Part D Extra Assistance Program

Aside from Medicaid, many other programs assist with medical expenses, and government sponsors them. Extra Help, a program that assists Medicare Part D enrollees with their prescription drug costs, can be applied for by a qualified individual.

Summary

A person’s health and income level may qualify them for both Medicare and Medicaid.

What is the difference between medicaid and medicare?

What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is a federal government health insurance program for qualified people 65 years old and above, or those who qualify by disability. Medicaid is a government program paid for by both state and federal government funds. Eligible people with disabilities or low incomes may get health coverage ...

Does Medicare Advantage include prescription drug coverage?

Besides providing your Part A and Part B benefits, most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage – and many plans offer extra benefits as well. Some examples might include membership in fitness programs and/or routine vision care. Now let’s move on to the question of getting Medicare Advantage and Medicaid at the same time.

What is a special needs plan?

Special Needs Plans are geared for people in specific situations. One type of SNP is specifically for dual eligibles – people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Please note: Medicare SNPs cover the same services and supplies that all Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover.

Do you have to live within the service area of Medicare Advantage?

You must also live within the plan’s service area. With any kind of Medicare Advantage plan, in most cases you must continue paying your Medicare Part B premium. However, the Medicaid program might pay your premium.

How long do you have to wait to get medicaid if you have SSDI?

While getting SSDI automatically qualifies you for Medicare, there's a waiting period — generally, two years after you become entitled to the disability benefit. If you qualify, Medicaid can provide a way to cover your health care costs while you're waiting for your Medicare to kick in.

Does Medicare cover dental insurance?

Medicare would become your primary health insurer, meaning your providers bill it first when you get treatment. But Medicaid may cover some things Medicare doesn't, such as dental coverage or long-term care, and in some cases can be used to offset your Medicare premiums.

Can I get Medicare if I have ALS?

People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can get Medicare as soon as they start collecting SSDI. People with end-stage renal disease can get expedited coverage in a number of circumstances, including three months after they start dialysis or in the month of a kidney transplant.

Can I get medicaid if I don't qualify for medicaid?

If you aren't able to qualify for Medicaid in your state during your Medicare waiting period, you may be able to get private health insurance at a reduced cost through the federal marketplace, depending on your income and household size. Go to HealthCare.gov to explore your options. Published March 25, 2021.

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Who Are The Dual-Eligible Recipients?

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People who are dual-eligible forMedicareand Medicaid are referred to as dual-eligible beneficiaries. Moreover, each state determines Medicaid coverage, and as a result, Medicaid benefits may differ. Receiving both Medicare and Medicaid can assist in lowering healthcare expenditures for individuals who are in need. Accord…
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Medicare Ineligibility

  • The Medicare eligibility requirement is that you must be 65 years old or older. If you or your spouse are 65 years old or older and have paid enough Medicare taxes through previous employment, you or your spouse may be eligible for premium-free Part A of the Medicare program (hospital coverage). They may also be eligible for Medicare Part B, covering doctor visits and var…
See more on newmedicare.com

Medicaid Ineligibility

  • Medicaid eligibility varies depending on where a person resides, as various states have different qualifications. Every year, Medicaid rules may change. The Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determines every year, is used to determine a person’s eligibility for a variety of government benefits. In addition to the 48 contiguous states a…
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Dual Eligibility

  • A person must qualify for either partial-dual or full-dual coverage to be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The amount of Medicaid assistance a person receives determines their eligibility for partial-dual coverage. The following are some examples of various coverage: 1. The premium for Part A (if applicable) 2. The premium for Part B 3. Coinsurances 4. Copayments 5. Deductible…
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Variations in Geography

  • Medicaid benefits and coverage vary from one state to the next, and there are differences between them. Depending on the state, Medicaid coverage may be available to those who earn more than the standard income limits. The Medicaid website can assist a person in determining which services are available to them in their area based on their geographic location.
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Medicare Part D Extra Assistance Program

  • Aside from Medicaid, many other programs assist with medical expenses, and government sponsors them. Extra Help, a program that assists Medicare Part D enrollees with their prescription drug costs, can be applied for by a qualified individual. To be eligible for Extra Help, a person’s combined investments, real estate property, and savings must total no more than $29,1…
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Summary

  • A person’s health and income level may qualify them for both Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, Medicare will generally cover healthcare costs initially, and Medicaid assists with out-of-pocket and non-covered expenses. Medicaid eligibility varies by state, as well as the income level restrictions.
See more on newmedicare.com

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