Health benefits combined for the older low income

By JENNIFER CHEN
Capital News Service
LANSING – Although the state could move dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid individuals into a new system, most beneficiaries don’t realize the upcoming changes to their benefits, according to a new survey. Michigan is one of 15 states awarded a contract to develop an integrated plan that offers both high-quality and cost-effective care. Medicare provides health benefits to people older than 65, and Medicaid benefits are for low-income residents. People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits are called “dual eligible,” according to the Department of Community Health. If fully implemented, the program as proposed would integrate services and funding for more than 200,000 state residents enrolled in both programs, which cost the state and federal governments more than $8 billion annually, according to the department.