New CMS document to aid states in integrating Medicare, Medicaid for dual eligibles

Original Article-

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a
tool for states that want to integrate and coordinate Medicare and
Medicaid services for dual-eligible beneficiaries.



The "State Plan Preprint for Integrate Care Programs" allows states to
demonstrate and explain their arrangements with Medicare Advantage
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) that also are providing Medicaid services.
The document also gives states "the opportunity to confirm that their
integrated care model complies with both federal Medicaid statutory and
regulatory requirements," according to a letter from Herb B. Kuhn,
acting director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations. Many
nursing home residents are dual eligibles, or those who are eligible
for Medicare and Medicaid.



Kuhn notes that the preprint does not replace the need for states to
operate under the appropriate Medicaid statutory authorities. States
also will need to follow the usual process for submitting Medicaid
waiver applications and contracts. They can use the preprint on a
voluntary basis, Kuhn wrote.