Which patients are described as dual-eligible in Medicare terms?

• A. Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible individuals.
• B. Individuals with private insurance only.
• C. Medicaid-only patients.
• D. Medicare-only beneficiaries.

Answer: (A)

Dual eligibility means being enrolled in and qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid. These individuals meet criteria for Medicare (usually age or disability) and also meet Medicaid income/asset criteria, so they receive benefits from both programs. That combination often provides broader coverage and helps with costs that Medicare alone might not cover, such as long-term care services in many states. The group described as Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible individuals fits this definition precisely, because they participate in both programs. The other options describe people who are only in one program or have private insurance, which does not meet the dual-eligible definition.