How to Tell If You Have Medicaid or Medicare — and Why It Matters

The Simplest Way to Know Which Program You Have

Check your wallet. Medicare comes as a red, white, and blue card with your name, a nine-digit number, and the words "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES" across the top. Medicaid comes as a state-issued card that looks different depending on which state you live in — it might be blue, green, or another color, and it will say your state's name on it, not the federal government's.

If you have both cards, you have both programs. This happens often: Medicare covers hospital and doctor visits for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, while Medicaid covers low-income people of any age. You can hold both at the same time, and many people do.

If you cannot find your card, call the number on any recent medical bill, hospital statement, or doctor's office paperwork. The provider's billing department can tell you in seconds which program they have on file for you.

Key Takeaways

Medicare is the federal program for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, and your card is always red, white, and blue.
Medicaid is run by each state and covers low-income people of any age, and your card design varies by state.
You can have both programs at the same time — this is called being "dual may be able to access" and is common among people over 65 with low income.
If you cannot locate your card, any doctor's office or hospital billing department can tell you which programs are listed in their system for you.
Your program determines which doctors you can see, which prescriptions are covered, and how much you pay out of pocket.

What Your Medicare Card Looks Like and Where to Find It

Your Medicare card is wallet-sized and always follows the same design: red, white, and blue with your name printed on it. The card shows your Medicare number (a nine-digit number that used to be your Social Security number, but new cards use a different format), your effective date, and which parts of Medicare you have — usually Part A (hospital) and Part B (doctor visits), and sometimes Part D (prescription drugs).

The card says "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES" at the top and includes a customer service phone number on the back. If you turned 65 recently, you should have received this card in the mail about three months before your birthday. If you are on Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease, you received it when your coverage began.

If you cannot find your physical card, you can view your Medicare information online through Medicare.gov by logging into your account, or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and a representative will confirm your coverage and read your number to you.

What Your Medicaid Card Looks Like and Where to Find It

Medicaid cards vary widely by state because each state runs its own Medicaid program. Your card might be blue, green, orange, or another color, and it will display your state's name — for example, "California Medicaid" or "New York Medicaid." The card shows your name, a member ID number, and the name of your state's Medicaid agency.

You should have received your Medicaid card in the mail after you were approved for the program. If you applied through your state's health insurance marketplace during open enrollment, the card typically arrives within two to four weeks of approval. If you applied directly through your state's Medicaid office, timing varies by state.

If you cannot find your card, contact your state's Medicaid office directly. You can find the phone number by searching "[your state name] Medicaid" online, or you can call 211 and ask for your state's Medicaid office. Have your Social Security number or date of birth ready when you call.

When You Have Both Medicare and Medicaid at the Same Time

If you have both cards, you are dual may be able to access. This means Medicare is your primary insurance — it pays first for most services — and Medicaid is your secondary insurance, which covers costs that Medicare does not pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Dual may be able to access status is common among people 65 and older with low income.

Having both programs usually means lower out-of-pocket costs for you. For example, if Medicare covers 80 percent of a doctor visit and you owe the remaining 20 percent, Medicaid often covers that 20 percent. However, you must use doctors and hospitals that accept both programs — not all providers do.

If you are unsure whether you have both, look for both cards. If you find only one, call the program on that card and ask whether Medicaid or Medicare is also on file for you. You can also call 211 and ask a representative to check your status in both systems.

How to Check Your Coverage Status Online or by Phone

To check your Medicare coverage, go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign In" in the upper right corner. Create an account using your email address and password, then select "My Health Information" to view your coverage details, including which parts of Medicare you have and your effective dates.

To check your Medicaid coverage, search "[your state name] Medicaid" and look for your state's official Medicaid website. Most states have an online portal where you can log in with your username and password to view your coverage status. If your state does not have an online portal, or if you do not remember your login, call your state's Medicaid office directly.

If you need help navigating either website, call 1-800-MEDICARE for Medicare questions or 211 for Medicaid questions. Both services are free and available during business hours. Have your Social Security number or member ID number ready.

Why Knowing Which Program You Have Matters

Your program determines which doctors and hospitals you can use, which prescriptions are covered, and how much you pay when you receive care. Medicare has a national network of providers, but not all doctors accept Medicare. Medicaid networks vary by state — some states have broad networks, while others are more limited.

If you have the wrong information about your coverage, you might go to a doctor who does not accept your insurance, or you might miss important date for enrolling in prescription drug coverage. For example, if you have Medicare Part B but not Part D (prescription drugs), you can face a penalty if you wait too long to enroll in a drug plan.

Knowing which program you have also helps you understand your costs. Medicare has deductibles and copayments that vary by service. Medicaid copayments vary by state and by service type. If you are dual may be able to access, knowing both programs helps you understand which one pays first and what you owe out of pocket.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Card or Confirm Your Coverage

Start by checking your home for mail from Medicare or your state's Medicaid office. Look for any envelope with the words "Medicare" or "Medicaid" on it, or any letter from a health insurance company. These letters often include your member ID number and coverage details.

If you still cannot find anything, call any doctor's office or hospital where you have received care recently. Give them your name and date of birth, and ask them to tell you which insurance programs are on file for you. This takes less than five minutes and requires no appointment.

If you have never received a card and believe you should have coverage, call your state's Medicaid office or 1-800-MEDICARE to check your process status. If you applied for coverage and were approved but never received a card, the office can reissue one or provide your member ID number over the phone so you can use it when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Medicare without Medicaid?

Yes. Most people with Medicare do not have Medicaid. You have Medicare if you are 65 or older, or if you have certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease, regardless of income. You have Medicaid only if your income is low enough to meet your state's limits.

Can I have Medicaid without Medicare?

Yes. Medicaid covers people of any age with low income. You do not need to be 65 or disabled to have Medicaid. Many working-age adults and children have Medicaid but not Medicare.

What if my card says "Medicare Advantage" or "Medicaid Managed Care"?

You still have Medicare or Medicaid — you are just receiving it through a private insurance company instead of directly from the government. The card will still identify which program it is. Call the number on the back of your card if you have questions about your specific plan.

Do I need to do anything if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

You do not need to do anything special. Show both cards when you go to the doctor. The provider will bill Medicare first, then send the remaining balance to Medicaid. Make sure both programs have your current address so you receive any notices or new cards.

What if I think I should have Medicaid but do not?

Contact your state's Medicaid office to learn about income limits and other requirements in your state. You can also call 211 and ask for help finding out whether you meet the criteria. If you do, the office can walk you through how to submit information for review.

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.