For Immediate Release
April 26 2011
Contact:
David Reville
Communications Director
AARP Vermont
802-951-1303
BURLINGTON, VT – Improving the care of the low income seniors and younger persons with disabilities who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid is a key priority for AARP. Therefore, we are pleased to learn that Vermont has been awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will help Vermont improve the care and lives of these individuals who are frequently referred to as “Dual Eligibles.”
Vermont along with 14 other states will receive up to $1 million each to develop new ways to meet the often complex and costly medical needs of dual eligibles. The goal is to eliminate duplication of services, expand their access to needed care, and improve their lives, while lowering costs.
Dual-eligible individuals are among the sickest and poorest individuals covered by either Medicaid or Medicare. They have very complex, costly and significant health needs, including the need for mental health and long term care services. This initiative gives Vermont additional flexibility to adopt innovative new practices that meet the needs of our state.
“Dual-eligibles face daunting obstacles as their benefits are confusing and coordinating primary, acute, behavioral and long-term supports can often be far too complicated. We look forward to working with the Governor, his designees and other critical stakeholders on this initiative to improve care, reduce confusion and duplication of services, and make the healthcare system easier to use and less costly to administer,” said Greg Marchildon AARP Vermont State Director.
“We pledge our commitment to help create a model for our state that will result in better, more coordinated care for dual eligibles while helping reduce costs for the state and our families”.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization with 130,000 members in Vermont and 40 million members nationally. Through a wide array of special benefits, services, and information resources, we help our members make important choices, reach their goals and dreams, and make the most of life after 50.
