Implications of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit for Dual Eligibles and State Medicaid Programs

Publication Date: February 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA, P.L. 108-173), enacted in December 2003, will have a significant effect on Medicaid beneficiaries who also have Medicare coverage (i.e., "dual eligibles") and on state Medicaid programs. This report highlights several provisions affecting dual eligible beneficiaries and state Medicaid programs and describes some of the areas where significant questions remain. This report will be updated.