Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid are different programs. Some people qualify for both and may have additional options.

Different programs

Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people 65+ and certain people with disabilities. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program based mainly on income and other eligibility rules. They are not interchangeable.

Dual eligibility

People with both Medicare and Medicaid are often called dual eligible. Depending on the exact level of Medicaid, they may qualify for Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) or other assistance. Benefits vary by plan and county.

California note

In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. Use the Medi-Cal screener for a 2026 Aged & Disabled FPL estimate, then apply through BenefitsCal or your county. Coordination rules and Dual Special Needs Plan availability vary by ZIP. A licensed California agent can help you understand the landscape — not promise a particular plan.

Want the full story? Get my book. Medicare 2026: Choose the Right Plan & Avoid Costly Mistakes walks through how Medicare is built. It does not pick a plan.

Screener

Medi-Cal screener (65+ / disabled)

California 2026 Aged & Disabled estimate for people with Medicare. Apply through the county.

Read: Can I pay less for Medicare?

This estimate is for Californians who are 65 or older, or who meet Social Security’s disability rules — the usual path for people who already have Medicare. It is not MAGI Medi-Cal for adults under 65. The county decides. This website cannot say that you qualify.

Aged & Disabled FPL (no share of cost): 138% FPL — $1,836.00 / $2,490.00 a month (April 2026 DHCS chart)
Resource limit: $130,000.00 individual / $195,000.00 couple (reinstated January 1, 2026)
Over the A&D FPL income limit, Medi-Cal with a share of cost may still be possible. This tool does not calculate a share-of-cost dollar amount.

HouseholdI am 65 or older, or I meet Social Security’s definition of disability.I receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income).Monthly income (before taxes)A&D FPL limit (individual): $1,836.00. This estimate subtracts the usual $20 general disregard.Countable resources2026 California non- resource limit (individual): $130,000.00. Home and usually one car do not count. SSI-linked Medi-Cal uses a much lower SSI resource test.

Enter income and resources to see which 2026 path this estimate is closest to. Leave a field blank to treat it as $0.

How to apply. Use BenefitsCal or your county social services office. Read DHCS Medi-Cal. In Los Angeles County, call Aging & Disabilities at 800-510-2020 or California HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 (TTY 711). For Part B premium help only, use the Medicare Savings Programs screener.

ScreenerMedicare Savings Programs screenerCalifornia 2026 QMB, SLMB, and QI estimate. Apply through Medi-Cal.

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