DUALS Act of 2024 Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024
The legislation mandates significant changes to how states implement integrated care programs. It asserts that states must provide integrated care services to eligible individuals, especially those under the PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model, and ensures that enrollment processes are simplified and more accessible. There is also an emphasis on providing administrative support to states for establishing these programs, as well as financial incentives through grants. This shift is expected to enhance the quality of care received by dual eligible individuals, addressing the complexities and barriers they face in managing multiple medical benefits.
SB3950, known as the Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024 (DUALS Act), focuses on enhancing support for states to create integrated care programs for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The bill aims to streamline the enrollment processes, improve care coordination, and ensure comprehensive medical assistance for dual eligible individuals. It encourages states to implement various program models and provides guidelines for eligibility determination, care coordination, and program administration. The bill combines efforts to improve healthcare access and encourage comprehensive service delivery for a vulnerable population.
There are notable points of contention surrounding the enforcement of integrated care models coordinated through this bill. Stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of support for states to manage such integrated systems, particularly concerning the funding needed to sustain them. Another critical issue is the potential bureaucratic complexity and administrative burden placed on state agencies responsible for implementing these integrated programs. Critics might argue that while intended to simplify access to healthcare for dual eligible individuals, the actual execution could complicate existing service delivery frameworks.