How to apply for dual Medicaid and Medicare
If you earn under a certain amount of money and are 65 or older, or have a disability, you may qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time.
This is called being “dual eligible” or being a “dual enrollee.” Medicaid and Medicare are both government health insurance programs, but can cover different services, so participating in both programs can help cover even more costs.
To apply for dual Medicaid and Medicare, you will need to apply to both programs separately. You will complete two different applications, and your eligibility will be determined under two different sets of rules.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
Who is eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare?#who-is-eligible-for-both-medicaid-and-medicare
Medicaid and Medicare have different eligibility rules. To qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for each program:
- Medicaid: Medicaid is state-run health insurance for low-income Americans and their families, so eligibility criteria, and even what Medicaid is called in your state, might be different depending on where you live. Generally, to qualify for Medicaid you need to have a low-income and minimal assets (meaning savings and investments).
- Medicare: Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults age 65 or older, or people with disabilities or certain chronic illnesses. To qualify for Medicare, you will need to fit into one of those categories.
How to apply for Medicaid#how-to-apply-for-medicaid
Since the Medicaid program is run by each state, the application process may look different depending on where you live. Generally, you can apply in four ways:
- Online: You can apply for Medicaid coverage online through your state’s Medicaid website. Some states use the federal website, Healthcare.gov, while others have their own application portals. If you don’t know where to start, visit Healthcare.gov, type in or select your state, and it will take you to your state’s Medicaid information.
- By phone: In many states you can fill out your application over the phone by calling your state’s Medicaid office or the federal Marketplace helpline.
- In person: You can apply for Medicaid in-person at local Medicaid offices, social services departments, or community health centers. To find a local office, visit your state’s Medicaid website, which should list office locations and contact information.
- By mail: In many states you can print the Medicaid application from your state’s Medicaid website or pick it up in-person at a Medicaid office, fill it out, and mail it back.
You should gather the following documents for your Medicaid application:
- Proof of identity and residency
- Proof of income, like pay stubs or Social Security award letters
- Immigration or citizenship documents, if applicable
How to apply for Medicare#how-to-apply-for-medicare
Since Medicare is a federal program, the application process is the same no matter where you live. Generally, you can apply for Medicare in four ways:
- Online: You can apply for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration website. This is probably the easiest way to apply and works for both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance).
- By phone: You can apply for Medicare by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Assistance by phone is available in most U.S. time zones Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in English, Spanish, and other languages.
- In person: You can apply for Medicare in person at your local Social Security office. Appointments are usually recommended. To find an office near you visit the SSA office locator tool.
- By mail: In some cases, you can complete paper forms sent by the Social Security Administration and return them by mail. Call and ask the Social Security Administration for more information about applying by mail.
You should gather the following documents for your Medicare application:
- Proof of identity and age (Social Security Number, driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate)
- Proof of medical eligibility, if applicable (like medical records, verification of disability, or verification of a qualifying chronic illness)
How can Propel help dual enrollees?#how-can-propel-help-dual-enrollees
If you qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare but need help choosing a plan, Propel works with lots of health plan partners and can help you choose a plan after you’ve enrolled.
Remember that duals (meaning people who get both Medicaid and Medicare) may have different health insurance needs, so it’s important to choose the best plan for your situation.
