Iowa Dual Eligible System: An OPEN MINDS State Profile

Dual eligibility refers to an individual who can receive both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. While the programs have similar services, Medicare pays for Medicare-covered services that can also be covered by Medicaid. Medicaid covers some services that Medicare does not.

Dual eligible individuals (“duals”) are enrolled in either Medicare Part A or Part B, or both, and in Medicaid. They can also participate in the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs).

Dual eligibility can be partial or full, depending on eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Dual eligibility often corresponds with high utilization of health care services. That is why OPEN MINDS . . .