What does "dual eligibility" refer to in Medicare?

"Dual eligibility" specifically refers to individuals who meet the criteria to receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. This status allows beneficiaries to access a broader range of healthcare services and financial assistance, as Medicare provides coverage primarily for seniors aged 65 and over, as well as certain individuals under 65 with disabilities, while Medicaid is designed to aid low-income individuals and families.

Beneficiaries with dual eligibility can benefit from Medicare’s services, such as hospital stays and outpatient care, alongside Medicaid's additional support, which may include long-term care and assistance with costs for premiums, deductibles, and co-pays associated with Medicare. This dual coverage helps ensure that individuals have comprehensive healthcare options and financial relief.

The other options do not accurately define "dual eligibility": having only Medicare services does not account for the Medicaid component; switching between plans or being covered by private insurance does not fit the definition of dual eligibility either, as they do not imply the simultaneous receipt of both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.