KFF’s New Resource Page on Medicare Part D and Dual Eligibles

From KFF’s new web page area “Resources on Dual Eligibles and Issues Related to Their Transition to the New Medicare Drug Benefit”:

As the new Medicare prescription drug benefit becomes available onJanuary 1, 2006, over 6 million low-income seniors and people withdisabilities who are enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare—also knownas dual eligibles—will be transitioned from Medicaid drug coverage tonew Medicare drug plans.  While there are many policy issues related tothe overall establishment of the new drug benefit, the mandatorytransition of dual eligibles has created a special set of challengesfor the federal government, states, and beneficiaries.

If thecharacteristics of dual eligibles are examined, it becomes evident thatthey will need special attention when being enrolled in the newMedicare benefit:

• Nearly three-quarters (73%) have $10,000 or less in income
• 61 percent have less than a high school education
• More than one-third (37%) are disabled
• More than one-third (34%) have a mental impairment
• More than one-quarter (27%) have diabetes
• Nearly one-fifth (19%) reside in a long-term care facility

Acollection of information and publications on dual eligibles, theircurrent drug coverage, and issues related to their transition to thenew Medicare benefit  is accessible here.