What is meant by "dual eligibility" in Medicare?

Dual eligibility refers to individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously. This status typically applies to individuals with limited income and resources who are aged 65 and older or who have certain disabilities.

Medicare provides health coverage primarily for hospital care, outpatient care, and certain preventive services, while Medicaid offers additional support that may cover services not included in Medicare and can help with costs such as premiums, copayments, and deductibles. This combined eligibility allows individuals to access a more comprehensive range of healthcare services and financial assistance, effectively filling gaps that may exist in the coverage provided by Medicare alone.

The other options describe different types of insurance eligibility but do not encompass the specific relationship between Medicare and Medicaid that defines dual eligibility. For instance, qualifying for private insurance or Social Security does not imply any connection to Medicaid benefits, and primary and secondary Medicare plans do not pertain to eligibility criteria but rather to the coordination of benefits.