How to Tell If You Have Medicaid or Medicare

The quickest way to know which one you have

Check your insurance card. Medicaid is issued by your state and usually says "Medicaid" on the front. Medicare is federal and the card says "Medicare" with a red, white, and blue design. If you have both — which is possible — your card will show both names.

If you don't have a card or can't find it, call the number on any medical bill you've received. The provider's billing department can tell you which program is covering you. You can also contact your state Medicaid office directly, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

The difference matters because the two programs work differently, cover different things, and have different rules about what you pay. Knowing which one you have tells you where to call when you have questions about coverage or costs.

Key Takeaways

Your insurance card will clearly say either Medicaid or Medicare, or both if you have coverage through both programs.
Medicaid is run by your state and is based on income; Medicare is federal and is based mainly on age or disability status.
You can call the billing number on any medical bill to find out which program is paying for your care.
Some people have both programs at the same time, which changes how bills are handled and what you owe.

Medicaid is state-run and income-based

Medicaid covers people with lower incomes. Each state sets its own income limits and decides what services to cover, so Medicaid in one state is not identical to Medicaid in another. You get Medicaid through your state — not through an employer or the federal government.

If you have Medicaid, you may have been enrolled automatically if you received certain benefits, or you may have applied through your state's Medicaid office or through HealthCare.gov. Your card will show your state's name and a Medicaid member ID number.

Medicaid typically covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care with little or no cost to you. Some states also cover dental, vision, or mental health services. What you owe depends on your state's rules — some Medicaid programs charge small copays, and others charge nothing.

Medicare is federal and age or disability-based

Medicare is a federal program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). You become may be able to access for Medicare when you turn 65, or earlier if you've been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, or if you have end-stage renal disease or ALS.

Medicare has four parts: Part A covers hospital stays, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care, Part D covers prescription drugs, and Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative way to get Parts A, B, and D through a private insurance company. Your Medicare card will show your name, a Medicare number, and which parts you have.

With Medicare, you typically pay a monthly premium for Part B, a deductible before coverage starts, and copays or coinsurance when you use services. The exact amounts change each year. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is the same in every state.

What it means if you have both programs

Some people have both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time. This usually happens when someone is 65 or older and has a low income, or when someone under 65 qualifies for both disability-based Medicare and income-based Medicaid. People with both are sometimes called "dual may be able to access."

When you have both, Medicare is your primary payer — it pays first. Medicaid then pays some of what Medicare doesn't cover, like copays and deductibles. This can mean you owe very little out of pocket. Your state Medicaid office handles the coordination, and you'll have cards from both programs.

If you think you might be may be able to access for both, contact your state Medicaid office. They can review your situation and help you understand how the two programs work together in your case.

How to contact your state Medicaid office

Each state runs its own Medicaid program under a different name and through different agencies. To find your state's Medicaid office, visit Medicaid.gov and select your state from the map. The site will give you the phone number and website for your state's program.

You can also call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and say you're looking for your state's Medicaid office. The 211 service will give you the correct number and may also tell you about local offices near you. Have your Social Security number and income information ready when you call.

How to contact Medicare

Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit Medicare.gov, create an account, and log in to see your coverage details, claims, and billing information.

If you need help in a language other than English, both Medicaid and Medicare offer interpreter services. Tell the person who answers the phone what language you speak, and they will connect you with an interpreter at no cost.

What to do if you're unsure about your coverage

Start with any medical bill or insurance card you have. The bill will show which program paid for the service, and the card will show the program name and a member ID. Call the number on the bill or card and ask directly: "Which program am I covered under — Medicaid or Medicare?"

If you don't have a bill or card, call your doctor's office. They have your insurance information on file and can tell you in one call which program you're using. You can also contact your state Medicaid office or Medicare using the phone numbers above.

If you think you should have coverage but don't, or if your coverage recently ended, contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Both can tell you what happened and what steps to take next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have Medicaid and Medicare at the same time?

Yes. People who are 65 or older with low income, or people under 65 who may have access to for both disability-based Medicare and income-based Medicaid, can have both programs. Medicare pays first, and Medicaid covers some of what Medicare doesn't. Contact your state Medicaid office to see if you may have access to for both.

What if my Medicaid or Medicare card is lost or damaged?

Call your state Medicaid office or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to request a replacement. Medicare usually mails a new card within 7 to 10 business days. Medicaid timing varies by state. You can ask for a temporary member ID number to use while you wait for the card to arrive.

Does my coverage change if I move to a different state?

Medicaid coverage ends when you move because each state runs its own program. You will need to apply for Medicaid in your new state. Medicare coverage continues no matter where you live. Contact your new state's Medicaid office within 30 days of moving to start the process.

What if I think I'm covered but my doctor says I'm not?

Call the number on your insurance card or your state Medicaid office or Medicare to verify your coverage is active. Sometimes coverage lapses without notice due to a missed renewal or a change in income. The program can tell you whether you're currently covered and help you reactivate coverage if it ended.

Can I switch from Medicaid to Medicare or vice versa?

No. Medicaid and Medicare are based on different rules — Medicaid on income, Medicare on age or disability status. You don't choose one over the other. If you become may be able to access for Medicare at 65, you keep Medicaid if you still meet income limits. If your income rises above your state's Medicaid limit, you lose Medicaid but keep Medicare if you're may be able to access for it.

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.