The simplest way to check which program you have

The fastest way to know is to look at your insurance card. Medicare cards are issued by the federal government and have your name, a Medicare number, and the dates your coverage started. Medicaid cards vary by state — some states print the word "Medicaid" clearly on the front, while others use the state program name instead (like "MassHealth" in Massachusetts or "Medi-Cal" in California).

If you cannot find your card, call the number on any medical bill you have received. The provider's billing department can tell you which program they have on file for you. You can also call your state Medicaid office directly — your state health department website lists the phone number — or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

You may have both programs at the same time. This is called being "dual may be able to access," and it happens when you may have access to for Medicare (usually because you are 65 or older, or disabled) and also meet your state's Medicaid income limits. If you have both, your Medicare card and Medicaid card will both be active.

Key Takeaways

  • Your insurance card tells you which program you have — Medicare cards are federal and include a Medicare number; Medicaid cards vary by state and often use the state program name.
  • If you do not have your card, call the billing number on any medical bill or contact your state Medicaid office or Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • You can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time if you are 65 or older (or disabled) and also meet your state's income limits.
  • Medicare is based on age or disability status; Medicaid is based on income and varies by state, so two people with the same age may have different coverage.

Who gets Medicare and who gets Medicaid

Medicare is for people 65 and older, regardless of income. It is also available to some younger people who are disabled or have end-stage renal disease. You pay into Medicare through payroll taxes during your working years, and the program is run by the federal government.

Medicaid is for people with lower incomes, and the income limit depends on which state you live in. Medicaid also covers some people who are blind, disabled, or pregnant, even if their income is slightly higher. Each state runs its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, so the rules and the income cutoffs are different in every state.

Because the programs are based on different rules, you might have one, the other, or both. A 62-year-old with a low income would have Medicaid but not Medicare (since Medicare does not start until 65). A 68-year-old with a high income would have Medicare but not Medicaid. A 68-year-old with a low income could have both.

What to look for on your Medicare card

Medicare cards have a specific layout. Your name appears at the top, and below it is your Medicare number — a unique identifier that stays with you for life. The card shows the date your coverage began and lists which parts of Medicare you have (Part A, Part B, Part D, or a combination).

The back of the card may list any supplemental insurance you have purchased, though not always. The card is red, white, and blue and includes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) logo. If you have Original Medicare (not a Medicare Advantage plan), this is the card you carry. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have a different card from your insurance company instead of (or in addition to) the standard Medicare card.

What to look for on your Medicaid card

Medicaid cards look very different depending on your state. Some states use the word "Medicaid" prominently; others use the state program name only. The card will have your name and a member ID number, and it may list the managed care plan you are enrolled in (if your state uses managed care).

The back of the card usually lists customer service numbers and may show which services are covered. Because Medicaid is state-run, the card design, colors, and information layout vary widely. If you are unsure whether a card is Medicaid, call the number on the back and ask, or contact your state Medicaid office.

How income affects which program you can have

Income is the main difference between the two programs. Medicare does not check your income at all — if you are 65 or older, you are may be able to access regardless of how much money you have. Medicaid, on the other hand, has strict income limits that vary by state and by family size.

In 2024, the federal poverty level for a single person is around $14,600 per year, but many states set their Medicaid income limit higher or lower than that. Some states cover people up to 138% of the federal poverty level; others cover only people at or below 100%. Your state Medicaid office can tell you the exact income limit for your household size and situation.

If your income is above your state's Medicaid limit, you will not have Medicaid, even if you have very few assets. If you are 65 or older, you will still have Medicare if you paid into it during your working years.

What happens if you think you have the wrong program

If you believe you have been enrolled in the wrong program, or if you think you should have both but only have one, contact your state Medicaid office or Medicare directly. For Medicare issues, call 1-800-MEDICARE. For Medicaid, search your state health department website for the Medicaid office phone number — it is usually listed under "Contact Us" or "Customer Service."

Be ready to provide your name, date of birth, and any insurance card numbers you have. The representative can look up your account and explain which programs you are currently enrolled in and why. If there is an error, they can help you correct it or direct you to the right office.

If you recently turned 65 or became disabled, you may be in a transition period where your coverage is changing. Medicare enrollment happens automatically for people already receiving Social Security, but if you are not yet on Social Security, you need to sign up for Medicare yourself during your enrollment window. Missing the important date can result in penalties, so if you are approaching 65, contact Medicare to confirm your enrollment status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. If you are 65 or older (or disabled) and also meet your state's Medicaid income limits, you can be enrolled in both. People with both programs are called "dual may be able to access." Medicare is your primary insurance, and Medicaid covers some costs that Medicare does not pay.

What if I lost my insurance card?

You do not need the physical card to use your coverage. Call the number on any recent medical bill, or contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or your state Medicaid office. They can confirm your coverage and send you a replacement card. In the meantime, you can give your provider your member ID number over the phone.

Does having Medicaid mean I cannot get Medicare?

No. Medicaid and Medicare are separate programs based on different rules. Having Medicaid does not prevent you from getting Medicare when you turn 65 or become may be able to access due to disability. Many people transition from Medicaid alone to both Medicaid and Medicare.

How do I know my state's Medicaid income limit?

Contact your state Medicaid office directly — the number is on your state health department website. Tell them your household size and income, and they can tell you whether you meet the limit. Income limits change yearly and vary by family size, so it is worth checking even if you were told you did not may have access to in the past.

What if I am self-employed and do not have a clear income?

Medicaid programs use your tax return or other income documentation to determine may be able to access. Self-employed people should bring their most recent tax return and any quarterly income statements to their Medicaid office. The office will help you calculate your countable income based on your state's rules.