Faces of Dually Eligible Beneficiaries: Profiles of People with Medicare and Medicaid Coverage

This report illustrates the diverse experiences of dually eligible beneficiaries – low-income seniors and younger adults with disabilities who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid – in obtaining medical care and non-medical, supportive services. Based on personal interviews, the profiles of 14 dually eligible beneficiaries residing in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oklahoma highlight day-to-day experiences with accessing care, maintaining relationships with providers, managing prescription medications and personal finances, and relying on family and friends for additional support. Such personal stories add a human dimension to the ongoing conversations among federal and state policymakers about the importance of high quality, coordinated care for this population.

The report also includes a brief background on how dually eligible beneficiaries qualify for Medicare and Medicaid and what benefits are covered under each program as well as spending and enrollment data and a glossary of eligibility and service delivery system terms.