Chronic Disease and Co-Morbidity Among Dual Eligibles: Implications for Patterns of Medicaid and Medicare Service Use and Spending

The health reform law contains provisions that aim to improve the delivery and coordination of services for persons enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, known as the dual eligibles. This population includes individuals with some of the most severely disabling chronic conditions. While the higher costs associated with services to dual eligibles is well-known, information on how spending is distributed across these programs is less understood.

This study uses linked Medicare and Medicaid data to examine the chronic physical and mental conditions and multiple co-morbidities that create substantial needs for medical and long-term services among dual eligibles, and provides information about the financial contributions of Medicare and Medicaid in meeting these needs.

Report (.pdf)