Managing depressed patients with comorbidities and dual-eligibility benefit status

To discuss the challenges and requirements in developing and implementing strategies for the appropriate management of depression in a subpopulation of dual-eligible patients with comorbidities.

Treating patients with comorbidities who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid services is challenging. In this vulnerable population, condition management strategies should address new patient cost-sharing responsibilities, improve or minimize the disruptions in access to medications, monitor for potential adherence issues, and, most importantly, strive to maintain, if not improve, overall health outcomes. Complicating these essential strategies are concerns about defining who is responsible for providing treatment to dual-eligible patients and the potential loss of vital services at various levels, including transition of care or the possible discontinuation of or severe limitations on reimbursement for key services.

Condition management strategies should be developed to deal with the unique needs of the dual-eligible population to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, an organizational infrastructure is necessary to give providers useful tools to help them deliver better-coordinated care to the dual-eligible population that struggles with depression.