On November 22nd, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators released a letter seeking input on ways to improve coverage for the 12.2 million individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligibles”). In order to develop legislation to reform the system of care for dual eligibles, the senators seek responses from patients, providers, payors, and other stakeholders to questions including, but not limited to:
- What are the shortcomings of the current system of care for dual eligibles and what specific policy recommendations could improve coordination and integration between the Medicare and Medicaid programs?
- Which models have worked particularly well at integrating care for dual eligibles, whether on the state level, federal level, or both?
- Would you recommend building upon current systems or developing a new, unified system that effectively assigns each beneficiary to a primary payor based on their needs?
- How can disruptions be minimized for current beneficiaries if any changes to the current system of coverage are made?
- How does geography play a role in dual coverage?
The letter notes that any reforms should take into account the diversity of the dual eligible population, the varying capabilities of states to support the care of dual eligibles, and the financial incentives that reduce inefficiency in care delivery and improve outcomes for patients.
The letter is available here. Responses may be submitted to dualeligibles@cassidy.senate.gov through January 13, 2023. Responses will be confidential and will not be released without approval.