Workgroup for Duals Brings Together Patients, Caregivers, and Advocates

The Medicare Rights Center’s Coalition to Protect the Rights of New York’s Dually Eligible (CPRNYDE) works to ensure that the needs of people with both Medicare and Medicaid are at the center of policymaking efforts and their voices are heard. One way we do this is through our Workgroup for People with Medicare and Medicaid.

The workgroup is comprised of over thirty individuals across New York State, most of whom have long-term care needs and chronic health conditions. Members also include the caregivers of individuals who have long-term care needs.

The workgroup meets monthly by phone. Each call begins with a check-in, allowing members to raise any questions or issues they may be currently facing or hearing about in the news and their communities. Members then share their support and insights, and, if needed, Medicare Rights staff can further assist individuals directly.

Medicare Rights staff and members of the workgroup provide educational and policy-related updates during the call. Calls have also included guest speakers who inform the group about relevant topics that pertain to their coverage and needs.

The concerns and topics raised in the workgroup directly infl uence the Coalition’s larger work. An example is the creation of Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) Tip Sheets – a project the group decided to embark on after having multiple conversations about the educational needs of people in the community who may not know their rights and options.

The workgroup continues to discuss current matters within the long-term care landscape in New York, and their insights and questions will continue to help drive the direction of the Coalition.