Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes. People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called 'dual eligibles'. Medicare pays first for covered services, and Medicaid can help cover Medicare's cost-sharing and pay for some services Medicare doesn't cover.
What it means
- Dual eligibles have Medicare (based on age or disability) and Medicaid (based on income and resources).
- Medicare is always the primary payer; Medicaid picks up costs Medicare doesn't cover.
- Full-Medicaid beneficiaries automatically qualify for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
Action steps
- Contact your state Medicaid office to see if you qualify.
- Ask about Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which are Medicare Advantage plans designed for dual eligibles.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
- We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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