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

Answered by 8 licensed agents

Yes. You can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. Individuals who qualify for both are called dual-eligible beneficiaries.

* Medicare is your primary health insurance.

* Medicaid helps pay Medicare costs, such as premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, and may also cover services like dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and long-term care.

Many dual-eligible individuals enroll in a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which combines Medicare benefits with extra services such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, transportation, care coordination, and, on some plans, grocery or utility benefits.

To qualify, you must:

1. Be eligible for Medicare, and

2. Meet your state’s Medicaid income and eligibility requirements.

Medicaid assistance may include Full Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI, or QDWI), depending on your eligibility.

Answered by Hudson Albert on July 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Hudson Albert Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes and it's actually more common than most people think.

People who qualify for both are called "dual eligibles" and they receive benefits from both programs simultaneously.

Medicare pays first for covered medical services as the primary payer. Medicaid pays second, helping cover costs Medicare doesn't (premiums, deductibles, copays, and services Medicare doesn't include such as long-term care).

Answered by Trever Dahms on July 15, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, NC, SC & WI

Answered by Trever Dahms Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you can have both at the same time. People who have both are often called "dual eligible." Medicare generally pays first for covered services, and Medicaid may help pay certain costs such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, or services that Medicare doesn't fully cover, depending on your state's Medicaid program.

Answered by Dina Green on July 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in GA, MI, OH & SC

Answered by Dina Green Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, you can be enrolled in both, and this is known as "Dual Eligible" - It's important to know the difference between them. Medicare is the Federal Health Insurance program generally for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. This is mostly commonly known as Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Doctors). The "Aid" in Medicaid, means you would receive financial assistance. This financial assistance is provided by both the federal and state programs that help with medical costs for those with limited income and resources.

Answered by Kyle McLaughlin on July 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA & MD

Answered by Kyle McLaughlin Medicare Insurance Agent
It’s called Dual Enrollment, and there are seven levels of Medicaid when you have Medicare available. There are also several Medicare Advantage Plans that work with Medicaid to help you get the most out of your plan. I’d be happy to meet and go over those options with you—just contact me to set up a time.

Answered by Jami Mead on July 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, this is called being "dual eligible," and it means Medicaid can help cover costs that Medicare doesn't. Many dual-eligible seniors also qualify for special Medicare plans designed specifically for their needs.

Answered by Claudia Domenech on July 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, IN & 6 other states

Answered by Claudia Domenech Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes you can. Medicaid is state and Medicare is federal. If you have both you are considered dual eligible.

Answered by Kelly Hurt on July 13, 2026

Agent Licensed in IL, AZ, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Kelly Hurt Medicare Insurance Agent

Answered by Rukshini Sandrasegaran on July 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Rukshini Sandrasegaran Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Advice for Seniors Coverage Eligibility The Medicare System

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