Medicare + Medicaid

Do You Qualify for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

If you have Medicare and also qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program, you’re considered “dual eligible.” Dual eligible New Yorkers can often get extra benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs. We compare plans built for dual eligibles in Erie County to make sure you get every benefit available to you.

Check Your Eligibility

Over-The-Counter Allowance

A card that helps pay for everyday items like cold medicine and vitamins. Most plans refill it monthly.

Healthy Food
Card

Helps pay for groceries and healthy foods. Usually refilled monthly.

Fitness
Benefits

Helps cover gym memberships and fitness programs.

Other
Benefits

Rides to medical appointments, dental, vision, chiropractic care, and more.

People with dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid have more chances to change plans during the year than most Medicare recipients. Ask us what options are open to you right now.

What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and people with certain disabilities. There are no income limits. Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for health care.

Call (716) 319-4613 for a free, confidential consultation.

Talk to an Agent

What Does Dual Eligible Mean?

You’re dual eligible when you have Medicare and also qualify for either full Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP).

You can get your Medicare through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or through a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Original Medicare is run by the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, and most include Part D drug coverage.

What Are the Benefits of Dual Eligibility?

People with both Medicare and Medicaid often get more coverage and pay less out of pocket. Here’s how the two programs work together.

Medicare pays first. For covered services like doctor visits and hospital stays, Medicare is the primary payer.
Medicaid pays second. If Medicare doesn’t cover the full cost, Medicaid may pay the rest for Medicaid-covered services.
Medicaid covers care Medicare doesn’t, like personal care at home and long-term nursing home care. Medicare only covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days per benefit period.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also cover certain long-term care services and supports.
Medicare Savings Programs help with costs, including Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

Check Your Eligibility

What Services May Medicaid Cover?

Adult day care and adult day health programs
Personal care assistance at home or in assisted living
Medical and non-medical transportation
Respite care to give caregivers a break
Meal delivery and group meals
Home health aides and skilled nursing
Home modifications, like ramps and wider doorways
Personal emergency response systems
Housekeeping and chore services
Companion services
Help moving from a nursing home back home
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medication management

Both Medicare and Medicaid help cover durable medical equipment, like wheelchairs and walkers.

Who Qualifies? New York Eligibility.

New York has some of the most generous limits in the country. If your income is close to a limit, it’s still worth applying.

Medicaid (Age 65+, Blind, or Disabled)

In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in New York is $1,836 per month for one person. The asset limit is $33,038 for a single person and $44,796 for a married couple. Your home, car, and personal belongings usually don’t count toward the asset limit. If your income is a little over the limit, you may still qualify through New York’s excess income program.

Medicare Savings Programs

New York uses income limits well above the federal minimums and has eliminated the asset test for its two main tiers. SLMB is no longer a separate New York MSP tier.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

QMB helps pay your Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and co-pays. In New York, the income limit is $1,856 a month for individuals and $2,509 for couples, with no asset limit. You can have QMB and Medicaid at the same time.

Qualifying Individual (QI)

QI helps pay your Part B premium. It covers individuals with monthly income above the QMB limit up to $2,494 and couples up to $3,375 in 2026. There’s no asset limit. QI cannot be combined with full Medicaid.

Meet With Our Team

You deserve to understand all of your Medicare options.

Our office is in Wilson, NY, and we’re happy to meet clients throughout Erie County and beyond. Wherever you live, we’ll find a way to help.

Location

Erie Medicare Associates
2833 West Lake Rd
Wilson, NY 14172

Contact

(716) 319-4613
chris@saratogamedicare.com
bridget@saratogamedicare.com

There is no fee to meet with our team.

REQUEST APPOINTMENT

After you send your request, one of our agents will reach out to set up an appointment.