Senators Hope to Build Momentum on New Duals Integration Bill

After circulating a discussion draft in the first half of 2023, Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.) on March 14 released his long-awaited bipartisan bill aimed at improving coverage for Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibles. The Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024 calls for comprehensive changes to the way states and plans currently deliver care to dual eligibles, who often have multiple chronic conditions and account for a disproportionate share of spending.

The bill was introduced by Cassidy and his cosponsors, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J). It would, among other things, require all states to establish an “integrated health plan” for duals — either building off their own or existing options — and require managed care organizations to develop and update comprehensive care plans that include a designated care coordinator for each beneficiary. The legislation also includes “passive enrollment” of qualifying dual eligibles into such plans and continuity of care requirements. The legislation also seeks to expand access to Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to individuals aged 55 and older.