Medicare and Medicaid Dual Eligibility in District of Columbia 2026: Income Limits, Benefits & How to Apply

What Is Dual Eligibility?

Dual eligible beneficiaries are individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. In District of Columbia, approximately 12% of Medicare beneficiaries are also enrolled in Medicaid. Dual eligible beneficiaries receive comprehensive coverage: Medicare covers hospital and medical services, while Medicaid covers additional services including long-term care, dental, vision, and hearing — services that Medicare does not cover. Medicaid also pays some or all of the Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments for dual eligible beneficiaries.

Medicare Savings Programs in District of Columbia

Even if you do not qualify for full Medicaid, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) in District of Columbia that helps pay your Medicare costs. There are four MSP levels:

Benefits of Full Dual Eligibility in District of Columbia

Full dual eligible beneficiaries in District of Columbia receive:

• $0 Medicare premiums — Medicaid pays your Part A and Part B premiums
• $0 Medicare deductibles and copayments — Medicaid covers your Medicare cost-sharing
• Extra Help for Part D — Automatic enrollment in the Low Income Subsidy, capping drug costs at $4.50-$11.20 per prescription
• Long-term care coverage — Medicaid covers nursing home care and home and community-based services that Medicare does not cover
• Additional services — Dental, vision, hearing, and transportation (varies by District of Columbia Medicaid program)

How to Apply for Dual Eligibility in District of Columbia

To apply for Medicaid in District of Columbia and potentially qualify for dual eligibility, contact the DC Department of Health Care Finance at 202-442-5988. You can also apply online through District of Columbia’s Medicaid portal or through your local Department of Social Services office. If you already have Medicare, applying for Medicaid will not affect your Medicare coverage — it will only add benefits.

D-SNPs: Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans in District of Columbia

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for dual eligible beneficiaries. In District of Columbia, D-SNPs coordinate your Medicare and Medicaid benefits through a single plan, often with additional benefits like transportation, over-the-counter allowances, and care coordination. To find D-SNPs available in your county, use Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.