In an effort to control healthcare costs of the nation's oldest, poorest and often sickest patients, 34 states have implemented or are planning integration programs within the next two years for the so-called dual eligibles who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, according to a report from the AARP.
The federal government offers financial incentives for states under certain guidelines to coordinate care for dual eligibles, but some states are knowingly designing cost-cutting programs that will not fully meet the federal criteria. The AARP expressed some surprise at this finding, as the savings will likely benefit CMS more than the states' agencies.
More Articles on Dual Eligibles:
CMS Approves California's Dual-Eligible Plan, Nation's Largest
CMS OKs Washington's Dual Eligible Program
Large Savings May Be Hard to Find in Dual Eligible Reform Programs
The federal government offers financial incentives for states under certain guidelines to coordinate care for dual eligibles, but some states are knowingly designing cost-cutting programs that will not fully meet the federal criteria. The AARP expressed some surprise at this finding, as the savings will likely benefit CMS more than the states' agencies.
More Articles on Dual Eligibles:
CMS Approves California's Dual-Eligible Plan, Nation's Largest
CMS OKs Washington's Dual Eligible Program
Large Savings May Be Hard to Find in Dual Eligible Reform Programs