Medicare & Medicaid Programs

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. But that’s where the similarities end.

Whereas Medicare beneficiaries typically qualify based on age, Medicaid beneficiaries qualify based on income.

When individuals have both Medicare and Medicaid, it is often referred to have having dual enrollment.

Benefits of Having Both

If you wish to have these benefits listed, you will need have this approved by CMS.

Dual plans offer extra benefits at no extra cost.

Dual plans go beyond either Medicaid or Original Medicare alone. You’ll still keep the Medicaid benefits you get today. And better yet, with a dual plan, you could get many extra benefits and features than Original Medicare at no extra cost. These extra benefits may include:

• Dental care, plus credit for restorative work.
• Eye exams, plus credit for eyewear.
• Hearing exams, plus credit for hearing devices.
• Rides to health care visits and the pharmacy.
• Credits to buy hundreds of health-related products.

As an added bonus, people who are dual eligible can usually enroll for no monthly premium.

Election Periods

Being Dual eligible allows individuals additional election periods, other than the Initial Election Period (IEP), Annual Election Period (AEP), and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

These additional election periods come in the form of being able to enroll or dis-enroll once per calendar quarter, January through September.

* Benefits assuming you qualify for a Dual Special Needs Plan.

Tip

It can be a good idea to review your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan coverage every year, to see if your plan covers the medications you need now and may need in the upcoming year.