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Policy Series

Challenges Faced by Dual Eligibles

This series of case studies is intended to help policymakers make informed decisions about improving benefits access and coordination for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, otherwise known as dually eligible individuals, or sometimes “duals” for short.

 

The case studies follow our clients and counselors, demonstrating how simple changes in the collaboration between Medicare and Medicaid can significantly improve access to affordable health care. From these real-life experiences, we derive our policy recommendations, aiming to make these vital programs—and other cost-saving programs like Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)–more accessible, user-friendly, and sustainable for everyone.

 

This work was supported in part by Arnold Ventures. Medicare Rights Center maintains full editorial control over all of its policy analysis and communications activities.

Get Started Here

This explainer video serves as a primer to understand the terminology, systems, and challenges of Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Savings Programs. It provides context to better understand our print and interactive case studies and the policy recommendations within them.  

Walk through a typical client experience by exploring this digital case study. 

Medicare Savings Program Enrollment

This case study focuses on how automatic enrollment in Medicare Savings Programs can remove many individuals’ barriers when enrolling. Simplifying the enrollment process is essential to increasing participation and ensuring that more people can benefit from these vital programs. 

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Medicare Savings Program Recertification

Medicare Savings Program recertification varies widely nationwide. This case study compares two experiences—one with automatic recertification and one with a more complex process—to illustrate the need for nationwide Medicare Savings Program recertification improvements. 

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Medicaid Renewal

Renewing Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medicaid is necessary to maintain benefits. This case study contrasts a complicated renewal process with one eased by COVID-19 public health emergency flexibilities, arguing for lasting reforms in Medicaid renewal procedures. 

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Medicare-Medicaid Integration

Coordinating benefits and services for dually eligible individuals is often complex and disjointed. This study examines the challenges of poorly integrated care and offers recommendations for improving integration at both state and federal levels. 

View Case Study
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Any changes to the Medicare program must aim for healthier people, better care, and smarter spending—not paying more for less. As policymakers debate the future of health care, we will provide our insights here.

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Our national and state policy agendas are defined by our experience serving people with Medicare on our national helpline and through our educational programs. Read our collection of reports, fact sheets, and letters to learn more about our policy positions.

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