(The pdf for the issue in which this article appears is available for download: (Bifocal, Vol. 36, Issue 6).)
Today, over 10 million low-income individuals, known as dual eligibles, receive care and services under both Medicare and Medicaid. In 2010, under a provision of The Affordable Care Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) created a new office to focus exclusively on coordinating the two programs. The new entity, the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office, began working with states across the country to better align Medicare and Medicaid benefits through state-run dual eligible demonstrations.
Five years later, states and CMS are in the early stages of evaluating the demonstrations and also looking at mid-course corrections and improvements based on experiences to-date. At the same time, advocates and policymakers are contemplating future health care delivery system reforms, as part of a broader reform effort to pay for value and outcomes, instead of volume.
To contribute to these efforts, Justice in Aging has created a toolkit of design and implementation resources. The toolkit consists of:
- A new tool for advocates comparing different state outreach and enrollment materials to highlight effective models to use when reaching vulnerable populations.
- Resources on appeals procedures, designing enrollment notices, care continuity, and ensuring consumer protections in integrated models.
For more information on this Justice and Aging Toolkit, visit: http://www.justiceinaging.org/our-work/healthcare/dual-eligibles-california-and-federal/national-duals-toolkit/.