I have both Medicare and Medicaid — are there plans for that?

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, you're considered dual-eligible, and there are special plans that coordinate the two to lower your costs. A lot of people with limited income and resources qualify for both, and when you do, Medicaid may help with costs Medicare doesn't cover, like certain premiums, deductibles, and copays. You may also qualify automatically for Extra Help with your drug costs. A common option for dual-eligible members is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, often called a D-SNP. It's a type of Medicare Advantage plan built specifically for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans frequently come with low or zero premiums and very low out-of-pocket costs, care that's coordinated across your Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and sometimes extras like transportation, dental, or an over-the-counter allowance. Because eligibility and the exact benefits depend on your state and your level of Medicaid, what's actually available to you comes down to where you live. To find out whether you qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program, contact your state Medicaid office, and check Medicare.gov for the plans offered in your area. Your local SHIP offers free counseling on dual-eligible options, and a licensed agent who works with these plans can explain what's available where you live, at no cost to you.

— Matt Rolph, Los Angeles, CAVerified