What happens if a patient is "dually eligible" for Medicare and Medicaid?

When a patient is "dually eligible" for both Medicare and Medicaid, they are entitled to receive coordinated benefits from both programs. This status allows eligible individuals to access a wider range of healthcare services and coverage options, as Medicare typically covers hospital and medical services while Medicaid can cover additional services such as long-term care and some out-of-pocket costs.

The coordination between these two programs can lead to comprehensive care for the individual, ensuring that healthcare needs are met effectively without facing overwhelming costs. For instance, Medicaid might cover costs like coinsurance or deductibles that Medicare beneficiaries would otherwise have to pay out of their pocket, further reducing their financial burden.

The other choices do not accurately capture the benefits of dual eligibility. Specifically, opting to choose one program over the other would negate the advantages of having both and limit the patient’s access to needed services. Additionally, while dually eligible individuals might have more coverage options, they are not necessarily extended without limits, and they remain eligible for other insurance options, especially those related to private supplemental insurance plans.