Earlier this week, the Bipartisan Policy Center released Delivery System Reform: Improving Care for Individuals Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Highlighted in the report is the importance of recognition by policymakers of “the challenges associated with making certain that vulnerable populations with complex needs are ensured continuity of care and do not lose access to services.”

The analysis finds that individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid have higher risk scores, higher rates of hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations, and a higher average number of chronic conditions than than other Medicare beneficiaries. The report also includes recommendations to align programs and integrate care for dual-eligible individuals.