Integrating Benefits for Dually Eligible Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries: Early Lessons from the Financial Alignment Demonstration

The Financial Alignment Initiative, which integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for dual eligibles, has garnered member satisfaction ratings comparable to those for Medicare Advantage plans

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid — known as dual-eligible beneficiaries — frequently have complex and costly health care needs. Since 2011, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has collaborated with 13 states to integrate benefits for this low-income population through a demonstration called the Financial Alignment Initiative. The most common...