Number: RS21837
Title: Implications of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit for Dual Eligibles and State Medicaid Programs
Authors: Karen Tritz, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA, P.L. 108-173), added a new Medicare prescription drug benefit, which was implemented in January 2006. This benefit has a significant effect on Medicaid beneficiaries who also have Medicare coverage (i.e., "dual eligibles") and on state Medicaid programs, as discussed in this report. In fact, this group is the focus of recent implementation concerns regarding the new benefit. The report does not include changes to Medicaid that may be made if the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (S. 1932) is enacted.
Pages: 6
Date: January 19, 2006