The Medicare-Medicaid Relationship

Some people with limited incomes and resources get help from the Medicaid Program. Medicare refers to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid as dually eligible beneficiaries.

For people with full Medicaid coverage, Medicaid supplements Medicare by covering services and supplies available under their state’s Medicaid Program. Limited Medicaid benefits also pay for out-of-pocket Medicare cost-sharing expenses for some people with Medicare.