Maximizing Medicare: New Opportunities to Support State Policy Goals
Approximately 11 million Medicaid recipients are dually eligible for Medicare, including some of the most high-cost and high-need individuals enrolled in state Medicaid programs. While integrating and aligning across these two programs is a perennial challenge for state policymakers, recent changes in federal regulations are creating new opportunities for states. This roundtable discussion explores the role of Medicare, Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), and how states are leveraging Medicare and Medicaid policies to promote more integrated care for high-cost, high-need beneficiaries.
Supported by The Scan Foundation.
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For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
