Glossary term
Medi-Medi
Dual Eligible
Informal name for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. Medicare pays first for covered acute care; Medi-Cal covers long-term services, premiums, and cost-sharing.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal are dual eligible, often called Medi-Medi. Medicare pays first for covered acute care, and Medi-Cal picks up long-term services, premiums, and most cost-sharing. The combination is powerful, but the two programs do not coordinate themselves; families usually have to make the calls that connect them.
Related terms