US Medical Term · insurance
Dual-Eligible (Medicare and Medicaid)
Doble Elegibilidad (Medicare y Medicaid)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Dual-Eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) |
| Spanish (Español) | Doble Elegibilidad (Medicare y Medicaid) |
| Chinese (中文) | 双重受益人（医疗保险和医疗补助） |
| Korean (한국어) | 이중 자격자 (메디케어 및 메디케이드) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đủ điều kiện kép (Medicare và Medicaid) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Dual-Eligible |
| Portuguese (Português) | Dupla Elegibilidade (Medicare e Medicaid) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ผู้มีสิทธิ์สองโครงการ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 二重受給資格者（メディケア・メディケイド） |
What it means
Dual-eligible individuals qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is the primary payer; Medicaid pays for costs Medicare does not cover, such as cost-sharing, long-term care, and additional benefits. Dual eligibles include elderly and disabled low-income individuals. They may be enrolled in Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that coordinate both programs. About 12 million Americans are dual-eligible, and they often have complex medical needs. Navigating dual eligibility can be administratively challenging and may require assistance from a benefits counselor.
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: medicare basicsSources
Last reviewed: September 2026