How to Tell If You Have Medicare or Medicaid

The fastest way to know which one you have

Look at your insurance card. If it says Medicare anywhere on the front, you have Medicare. If it says Medicaid, you have Medicaid. The card will also show which type of Medicare (Part A, Part B, Part C, or Part D) or which state's Medicaid program you're in.

If you can't find your card, call the number on any recent medical bill or hospital statement — the provider's billing department can tell you which program they have on file for you. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you think you have Medicare, or your state Medicaid office if you think you have Medicaid.

The reason this matters: Medicare and Medicaid are completely separate programs with different rules about what they cover, what you pay, and how to use your benefits. Using the wrong one by mistake can mean a claim gets denied or you pay more than you should.

Key Takeaways

Your insurance card will clearly say either Medicare or Medicaid on the front.
Medicare is federal insurance based on age or disability; Medicaid is state-run insurance based on income.
You can have both programs at the same time, which is called "dual may be able to access."
If you've lost your card, call the provider's billing department or 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm which program covers you.
Some people have Medicare Advantage (Part C) or other private plans through Medicare, which look different from Original Medicare cards.

Medicare vs. Medicaid: the core difference

Medicare is a federal program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). You get it because you are 65 or older, or because you have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or because you have end-stage renal disease or ALS. Your may be able to access does not depend on how much money you have.

Medicaid is a state program that each state runs differently. You get it because your income and assets fall below your state's limits. Each state sets its own income threshold, so the cutoff in one state may be different from the cutoff in another. Medicaid is the only program of the two that looks at how much money you have.

If you are 65 or older and your income is low enough, you can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. This is called being dual may be able to access. When you have both, Medicare is your primary insurance and Medicaid covers some of what Medicare does not.

What your Medicare card looks like

A Medicare card is the size of a credit card and has a red, white, and blue stripe across the top. The word MEDICARE appears in large letters. Your name, Medicare number, and the date your coverage started are printed on the front. The back lists which parts of Medicare you have (Part A, Part B, Part C, or Part D).

If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), your card will say so. If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), your card may look different because you got it from a private insurance company, not directly from Medicare — but it will still say Medicare on it somewhere, and it will have a Medicare number.

Newer Medicare cards no longer show your Social Security number. If your card still has your Social Security number on it, you can request a replacement card from Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

What your Medicaid card looks like

Medicaid cards vary by state because each state runs its own program. Your card will have the word Medicaid on it and your state's name. It will show your name, a member ID number, and the dates your coverage is active. Some states print the name of the managed care plan on the card if you are enrolled in one.

Some states issue physical cards; others send you a letter with your member ID and tell you to show it to providers. A few states are moving to digital-only cards that you can access through an app or website. If you are not sure whether you have a Medicaid card or what it looks like, contact your state Medicaid office.

Your Medicaid card does not show your Social Security number. If a provider asks for it, you can give your member ID instead.

When you might have both programs

You can be dual may be able to access — covered by both Medicare and Medicaid — if you are 65 or older (or under 65 and on Medicare for disability or end-stage renal disease) and your income and assets are low enough to may have access to for Medicaid in your state. When this happens, you will have both a Medicare card and a Medicaid card.

If you are dual may be able to access, Medicare pays first for services it covers. Medicaid then pays some or all of what Medicare does not pay, depending on your state's rules. This can lower your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Some states also cover services that Medicare does not, like dental or vision care, through Medicaid.

You do not have to do anything special to become dual may be able to access — if you meet your state's income and asset limits, you can contact your state Medicaid office to see whether you may have access to. Some states automatically enroll people in Medicaid when they turn 65 and already receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How to find your state Medicaid office

Each state runs Medicaid under a different name and through a different agency. To find your state's Medicaid program, go to medicaid.gov and click on your state's name. The website will give you the phone number and website for your state's Medicaid office.

You can also call 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and tell them you are looking for Medicaid information in your state. They will give you the correct number and may be able to tell you whether you might may have access to based on your income.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready, and be prepared to answer questions about your income and household size. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, you can also provide your date of birth and address.

What to do if you are not sure which program you have

Start by checking any mail you have received from your insurance company or a government agency in the past year. Look for letters about your coverage, bills from doctors or hospitals, or notices about your benefits. These will almost always say whether you have Medicare or Medicaid.

If you have lost all your paperwork, call your doctor's office or the last hospital or clinic where you received care. Give them your name and date of birth, and ask them which insurance program they have on file for you. They can tell you in a few minutes.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE if you think you have Medicare, or your state Medicaid office if you think you have Medicaid. Both will ask for your name, date of birth, and Social Security number to look up your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

Yes. If you are 65 or older and your income is low enough, you can have both. When you do, Medicare pays first and Medicaid covers some of what Medicare does not. You will have two separate cards. Contact your state Medicaid office to see whether you meet the income and asset limits.

What if my Medicare card says Part C instead of Part A and Part B?

Part C is Medicare Advantage, a private insurance plan that covers everything Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers, usually with different costs and provider networks. It is still Medicare — your card will say Medicare on it. You chose this plan when you first became may be able to access for Medicare or during an open enrollment period.

My card is expired. Can I still use it?

Yes, an expired card is still valid for coverage. However, you should request a new card from your insurance program. For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE. For Medicaid, call your state Medicaid office. A current card makes it easier for providers to process your claims.

Do I need both a Medicare card and a Medicaid card to see a doctor?

If you have both, show both cards to your provider. Tell them you are dual may be able to access. This helps them bill correctly — Medicare first, then Medicaid for what Medicare does not cover. If you only have one program, show only that card.

What if I lost my card and need to see a doctor today?

Give your provider your name, date of birth, and member ID number (if you have it). They can look up your coverage in their system using this information. You do not need the physical card to receive care, though having it makes the process faster.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.