The DUALS Act of 2024, also known as Bill 118 hr 8503, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the unique healthcare needs of individuals who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, often referred to as "duals."
The DUALS Act aims to improve coordination of care for dual eligible individuals by establishing a new office within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) dedicated to overseeing the integration of Medicare and Medicaid services. This office would work to streamline administrative processes, improve communication between Medicare and Medicaid providers, and ensure that dual eligible individuals receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner.
Additionally, the DUALS Act includes provisions to expand access to home and community-based services for dual eligible individuals, with the goal of allowing them to receive care in their own homes rather than in institutional settings. This is intended to improve the quality of care for duals and reduce overall healthcare costs.
Overall, the DUALS Act of 2024 seeks to address the challenges faced by dual eligible individuals in navigating the complex healthcare system and ensure that they receive the high-quality, coordinated care they deserve.