Affordable Care Act - New Benefits for Dual Eligibles

The Affordable Care Act provides that full-benefit dual eligibles (those who qualify for both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits) who are receiving Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS) are eligible for a full waiver of copayment requirements for their Medicare Part D prescription drugs. This policy became effective January 1, 2012.  The provision puts people who are receiving HCBS in the community on equal footing with those who reside in institutions and whose co-pays are also waived. The National Senior Citizens Law Center has prepared a helpful summary for advocates: 

http://www.nsclc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/No-Part-D-Copays-Info.pdf

Stay informed! Go to the Advocacy Corner for frequent updates!



Do you have Medical & Medicare? If so, Please complete this survey

Do you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal? If so, the State of California wants to learn more about your needs, concerns and priorities as it works to improve care coordination for people in your situation, who commonly are called “dual eligibles” or “Medi-Medis.”  Please take 10 minutes to complete an electronic survey developed by Harbage Consulting as part of its work supporting the State's efforts to collect consumer input.

Access the survey through this link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/CalDuals

This survey collects information from people who have BOTH Medicare and Medi-Cal about their health care experiences. Your answers will inform California's planning. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to complete this survey based on the experience of their relative/friend/client. Responses will be collected through December 20, 2011. 

For more information about this project, you can visit the website www.CalDuals.org. Stay updated by following the group on Twitter @CalDuals.