Contact: Renee C. Fenton, Aging and Disability Services Administration (360) 725-2270 , fentorc@dshs.wa.gov
Contact: Kathy Spears, ADSA Communications Director (360) 902-7893, kathleen.spears@dshs.wa.gov

March 13, 2012
Washington state releases proposal to integrate Medicare/Medicaid for dually eligible individuals
Respond to the Proposal during the 30-day public comment period March 13 - April 13, 2012

OLYMPIA - A draft comprehensive plan to streamline the health care system and improve services for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid is ready for public comment.

Medicare is a federal program designed for the elderly and people with disabilities. Medicaid serves low-income residents and is funded by the state and federal governments. Often there is little coordination between the two programs when it comes to serving clients, saving money and improving care.

The plan was drafted after months of meeting and planning with stakeholders. 

Washington is one of 15 states to receive a $1 million federal planning grant from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to come up with ideas that would make it easier for dually eligible people to access health care. 

The 30-day public comment period begins today and ends on April 13, 2012. Stakeholders can view the report, provide comment on the proposal, and participate in a brief survey that is available on the Medicare and Medicaid Dual Eligibility website: http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/duals/.

Data collected during the comment period will be used to design the final plan that Washington state submits to CMS.  Additional resources for stakeholders, including recorded webinar presentations of the plan, also are available on the Dual Eligibility website.

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