New Duals Demonstration Pilot Date Announced

January 2013

The Governor’s budget proposal that was released last week includes a new date for the launch of the Duals Demonstration Pilot: September 1, 2013. This means that the first beneficiary notice will come no earlier than June 2013.

The proposed budget calls for implementing both parts of the Coordinated Care Initiative (CCI)— the Duals Demonstration Pilot and the transition to managed care for Long Term Supports and Services—at the same time.

According to the budget announcement, enrollment will phase in over 18 months in Los Angeles County. In most other counties, enrollment will phase in over 12 months. In San Mateo County, enrollment will occur all at once in September 2013.

Background
The State of California’s (CCI) initiates a change in the focus and delivery of health care for seniors and people with disabilities. Coordinated care offers members an easier way to get what they need, when they need it.

Two major components of the Coordinated Care Initiative (CCI) include:

  • Duals Demonstration Pilot: A voluntary, three-year program designed to coordinate medical, mental health and behavioral health, long-term institutional and home- and community-based services under one plan for members eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal.
  • Managed Medi-Cal Long-Term Supports and Services (LTSS): Most Medi-Cal members, including those also eligible for Medicare, will be required to join a Medi-Cal health plan. They will then receive their benefits, including LTSS and wrap-around benefits, through their health plan.