The coming experiments in integrating and coordinating care for 'dual eligibles'

摘要

Of all the experiments now being launched under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, none carries human and financial stakes as great as the effort to transform care for the 9.2 million individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. These "dual eligibles" are many of the nation's sickest and most vulnerable adults; their care costs totaled an estimated $319.5 billion in 2011. All are low income, many are elderly, but others are younger and often mentally ill or physically or developmentally disabled.