What are their needs?

The federal government, working with private insurers and state governments, has an ongoing commitment to understanding the issues facing people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid — also known as “dual eligible” beneficiaries. Often, they are in poor health, have limited education, and struggle in many ways. State and federal healthcare programs can be a challenge for them to navigate.

Recruiting dual-eligible participants, and making sure we reach them, is a challenge to which we’ve adapted. If leaving home for an interview isn’t an option, we can interview in home or over the phone. We accommodate needs for translators, transportation over long distances, proxies or partners to assist, and other special services. We understand and respect this vulnerable population, and as a result, our government client and its state partners trust us to get the information they need and do no harm in the process.

ANR regularly connects with this Medicare audience through focus groups and in-depth interviews to find out what they need and how the government can help them most. We hear their responses to programs designed to support them, and we evaluate communications targeted to them for ease of use and comprehension. Dual-eligible participants have told us that state Medicaid programs pair them with care coordinators who become a lifeline and improve their quality of life in ways they never expected.

Our research has informed improvements in state and federal healthcare programs for dual-eligible beneficiaries. Our findings have helped make these programs better, easier, and more efficient for the people they serve.