37 states, D.C. advance plans to improve health outcomes for dual eligibles

The states and D.C. are proposing demonstration projects to better coordinate and therefore improve care for an estimated 9 million people who fall into this category. States would receive a share of any resulting savings.

Modern Healthcare: Most States Propose Dual-Eligible Projects
Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have submitted letters of intent to the CMS proposing Medicare-Medicaid demonstration projects to improve health outcomes for so-called dual-eligible beneficiaries, according to federal officials. The state plans came in response to a July request by the CMS Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office for proposals that improve the care of the estimated 9 million beneficiaries eligible to participate in both Medicare and Medicaid, with states allowed to receive a share of any of the savings that result (Daly, 10/11).

And on the health care quality front -;

Kaiser Health News: Medicare Plans See Dollars In The Stars
Competition is fiercest in places like Boston, where high-ranking plans are near their goal, but shades of this quality arms race are visible throughout the country. Insurers have rarely competed on quality measures, but as the federal government prepares to unleash an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion next year in bonus payments, the industry is following the money. Star-ratings are bleeding into bottom lines, board meetings, and corporate strategy as the insurers chase top scores (Weaver, 10/11).