More than 13 million people in the U.S. are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Despite having health care coverage through both programs, many experience fragmented, poorly coordinated services because Medicare and Medicaid were not designed to work together. Strengthening integration across the two programs can improve care experiences and health outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and support more efficient use of federal and state resources.

This Medicaid FYI from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) explains why stronger Medicare-Medicaid integration is needed, who is affected by poor coordination between the two programs, and how key integration models work. It offers an overview of the current integration landscape to help states, health plans, providers, and policymakers better understand the options and opportunities for advancing more integrated care.

Medicaid FYI is a series of explainers from CHCS offering clear insights to help states, health plans, providers, and policymakers improve the quality and efficiency of Medicaid.