StateStats: Dilemma Over Dual Eligibles

Fifteen percent of the nearly 60 million Americans covered by Medicaid in 2008 also were enrolled in Medicare. This percentage varied among states, however, from a high of 26 percent in Maine to only about 10 percent in Arizona and Utah. These “dual eligibles” tend to be sicker and poorer than other Medicare patients. They are more likely to have several chronic diseases, abuse drugs or alcohol, need mental health treatment, have limited mobility and live in a nursing home. About 77 percent meet state income tests to qualify for full Medicaid benefits and cost-sharing assistance. More