LeadingAge provided input on the Senate Finance Committee’s discussion draft legislation proposing a dual eligibles integration program on June 30. This draft was crafted from stakeholder input provided earlier in 2023 to a request for information on how to improve and ensure integrated care for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

The draft legislation seeks to create a new title under the Social Security Act entitled, “Integrated Care Programs for Dual Eligible Individuals.” Under the draft legislation, the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office would identify an array of possible integration models and each state would select the models offered in their state. As states develop their programs, they would be required to obtain input from a stakeholder-based Implementation Council.

Overall, LeadingAge is supportive of the effort to improve and deliver an integrated approach to dual eligibles wherever they call home. However, we did offer some ideas for refining and improving the draft legislation. In particular, LeadingAge’s comments seek to ensure that the proposed new program for duals preserves access to existing , proven integrated models, such as PACE, while it designs new integrated offerings.

In addition, LeadingAge continues to underscore the importance of the ability of provider-based organizations to participate as the integrating entity coordinating care for dual eligible individuals within the new models. We will continue to work with the bipartisan group of senators and their staff as this legislation continues to evolve. It is believed legislation will be introduced in the fall.