« The Dual Agenda: May 28, 2014 Issue
Featured Resources
Report by MACPAC on Early Experiences with the Financial Alignment Demonstration in Three States
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released a study on the Financial Alignment Demonstrations in California, Massachusetts and Ohio. In 2014 and 2015, MACPAC conducted focus groups in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts; Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; and San Diego and San Mateo, California, to gain insight into beneficiaries’ early experiences with the demonstrations. A few of the findings are noted below:
- The intent of the demonstration was appealing to participants. Most of participants said that they wanted more integration between Medicaid and Medicare, more care coordination, someone to help them access care and solve problems, and wanted access to additional services such as, dental coverage, transportation, and behavioral health services.
- Many of the participants did not know the purpose of the demonstration prior to the focus group. Spanish-speaking participants had the largest knowledge gap. In addition, many said their providers were not well-informed about the program and did not know if they were participating.
- Participants noted that program materials they received were hard to understand and could have been in a much simpler language. Spanish-speaking participants said they received program materials in Spanish, which they appreciated. They also said that interpretation and translation services were available through the program and that these services worked well.
- Most participants who voluntarily enrolled found the process easy, especially when they had help. Those who passively enrolled had mixed experiences where some did not know their coverage changed and encountered problems getting their prescription drugs.
Kaiser Publishes Early Insights from Two Duals Demonstration States
Kaiser published issue briefs on Massachusetts’ and Ohio’s early experiences in the Financial Alignment Demonstrations. Findings in the briefs are based on interviews conducted with a diverse group of state leaders, including representatives from state agencies; medical, behavioral health, and social services providers; consumer advocates; and health plans involved in the design and early implementation of the demonstration. Both issue briefs discuss the key features of the demonstrations, early implementation challenges and strengths of the implementation processes.