Medicare vs Medicaid and dual eligibility

Medicare and Medicaid

The words "Medicare" and "Medicaid" are so much alike that it's easy to get them confused. Both are government programs and both help people pay for health care. Some people can have both Medicare and Medicaid, and these benefits can work together to cover most of your health care costs. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you are considered "Dual Eligible", which you can learn more about below.

But first, what are the differences between Medicare and Medicaid? Check out the charts below to see the side-by-side differences between Medicare and Medicaid.

Differences between Medicare and Medicaid

What is Medicare vs. Medicaid?

Medicare

A federal health insurance program for people who are:

65 or older
Under 65 with certain disabilities
Of any age and have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Medicaid

A joint federal and state program that helps pay health care costs for certain individuals and families with limited income and resources.

Who offers Medicare vs. Medicaid?

Medicare

Federal government

Medicaid

State governments

What is covered by Medicare vs. Medicaid?

Medicare

Depends on the coverage you choose and may include:

Care and services received as an inpatient in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (Part A)
Doctor visits, care and services received as an outpatient and some preventive care (Part B)
Prescription drugs (Part D)
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans: combine Part A and Part B coverage, and often include drug coverage (Part D), as well—all in one plan.

Medicaid

Each state creates its own Medicaid program, but has to follow federal guidelines, like the required and optional benefits they include. Some of the benefits Medicaid programs have to include are:

Care and services received in a hospital or skilled nursing facility
Care and services received in a federally-qualified health center, rural health clinic or freestanding birth center (licensed or recognized by your state)
Doctor, nurse midwife, and certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner services

What is the cost of Medicare vs. Medicaid?

Medicare

It depends on the coverage you choose. Costs may include premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

Medicaid

It depends on your income and the rules in your state. Costs may include premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

How to get Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare

Many people are enrolled in Parts A and B (also known as Original Medicare) automatically when they turn 65. You can also contact your local Social Security office to see if you are eligible based on your individual circumstances.

Medicaid

Eligibility depends on the rules in your state. Call your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office to see if you qualify.

Medicare vs. Medicaid 101

Video transcript

An animated white speech bubble appears over an animated character's yellow and blue head.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicaid 101

The speech bubble and character fall away. Blue text appears on a light blue background. White text appears in two animated circles below. The blue and green circles overlap.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicaid is a joint federal and state health program. Federal State

The text and circles fall away. Blue text appears surrounded by blue animated disks with dollar signs on them. Animated individual and family character graphics appear below the text.

ON SCREEN TEXT: It is for individuals, families and children with limited income & resources.

The text and graphics fall away. A white map of the continental U.S. appears on a light blue background. Green map marker icons dot the map. Blue text appears in the center of the map.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Each state creates its own Medicaid programs based on federal guidelines.

The map disappears. Blue text appears surrounded by animated green and white form and plus sign graphics.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicaid programs have mandatory benefits & optional benefits.

The text and graphics fall away. Blue text appears over an animated dark blue scale graphic. Yellow animated coins pile up on the left side of the scale and animated books pile up on the right side.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicaid costs will vary based on a person's income and the state's Medicaid rules.

The text and scale fall away. Blue text appears above a white animated form. An animated pencil checks boxes on the form.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Eligibility varies based on a state's Medicaid rules.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicaid Eligibility

The text and form fall away. Blue text appears on a light blue background. White text appears in two animated circles below. The blue and green circles overlap.

ON SCREEN TEXT: You may qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. This is called being "dual eligible." Medicaid Medicare

The text and circles fall away. White text appears on a blue background.

ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Made Clear® by UnitedHealthcare

Can you get Medicaid if you have Medicare?

Dual eligibility

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you are considered "dual eligible." Sometimes the two programs can work together to cover most of your health care costs.

Individuals who are dual eligible can often qualify for special kinds of Medicare plans. One such example is a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).

Learn more about Dual Special Needs plans from UnitedHealthcare

Supporting you through your Medicare journey

Chat with UnitedHealthcare

Chat is currently unavailable.
Please try again later.

Call UnitedHealthcare

Call Dynamic TFN / TTY 711

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week

Find a plan

Meet with us

Make an appointment with a licensed insurance agent in your area.

Find an agent - opens in a new tab

Already a member?

Go to the member site to see your plan benefit information.