Some elderly and disabled individuals qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid programs. A new program in the state of Washington would combine the two programs for the so-called dual eligibles. By doing so, the cost savings from eliminating duplicated services could then be shared by the two programs.
The Department of Social and Health Service’s Aging and Disability and Health Care Authority hope the combined programs will improve quality and coordination of care, reduce expenditures, foster relationships and share savings with the federal government. Previously, there had been no financial incentive for eliminating duplicity or increase cooperation between the two programs. The new program, which is being tried in King and Snohomish counties, is one of the first of its kind in the country. To read the Seattle Times article, go here.
