KFF February 9, 2024
About 12.9 million people received health coverage under both Medicare and Medicaid in 2021. Medicare-Medicaid enrollees, known as dual-eligible individuals, are a diverse group, as nearly half are people of color and nearly 40% are under age 65. However, this group of people share some common characteristics, such as limited financial means and health care needs that are more wide-ranging and complex than the average Medicare enrollee.
Prior KFF research has described the complex landscape of coverage options available to dual-eligible individuals when enrolling in Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare, the primary source of health insurance coverage for dual-eligible individuals, may be provided under traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicaid, which typically wraps around Medicare, covers the cost of...