Managing depressed patients with comorbidities and dual-eligibility benefit status.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Arizpe
Michael
M
Aetna Inc., 4400 N. W. Loop 410, Suite 500, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. ArizpeMJ@aetna.com
D015897:Comorbidity; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D004608:Eligibility Determination; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D008484:Medicaid; D006278:Medicare; D001523:Mental Disorders; D014481:United States