Planning a Better Future for Dual Eligible Elderly in Montgomery County (2014)
In the summer of 2013, the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center for Jewish Life convened a workgroup of knowledgeable stakeholders to explore the issues of dual eligible elderly (those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid) in Montgomery County.
Dual eligibles tend to be poorer and sicker than the rest of the elderly population. And they are the costliest segment of the Medicaid population. In PA, they represent 18% of those receiving Medicaid, but account for 43% of Medicaid spending.
Medicare and Medicaid have different rules and procedures. Care is not coordinated between the programs and some services covered under one program may not be covered under the other. This results in frustration for patients and providers as they try to understand and navigate this complex system.
There are more than 7800 dual eligible elderly in Montgomery County (as of 2010). With an aging population, this number is expected to increase. See map below.
Working to realign systems and improve care for this population could result in significant savings to the heath care system in Pennsylvania.
After Six months of meetings and research, the workgroup produced 11 recommendations to deliver better care for this vulnerable population. The recommendations cover various approaches from providers, insurance. systems navigation and episodic. Access the report to read more.
The foundation was pleased to support this work with a grant to the Polisher Institute of the Abramson Center.
Community Conversation
On November 7, 2014, the foundation hosted an event to discuss these recommendations and how we can improve this system.
Presenters included:
- Brian Duke, Secretary of Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Aging
- Josh Shapiro, Chairman, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
- Barbara O'Malley, Acting Director, Montgomery County Department of Aging and Adult Services
- Alissa Halperin, Principal, Halperin Butera
- Hon. Stanley R. Ott, 38th Judicial District
A PDF version of the PowerPoint show from the event is available to download below.
