Countless older adults depend on both Medicare and Medicaid. But the two systems were never built to work together. The result is fragmented, confusing, and often lower-quality care for people with the most complex needs.
WhyIntegration Matters
Without better coordination between Medicare and Medicaid, dually eligible individuals often experience worse outcomes and higher costs. Alignment would improve access to high-quality, person-centered care that reflects the preferences of older adults.
Focus Areas
Integrated care models can simplify coverage, improve coordination, and deliver better outcomes for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
These are the ways we take action to advance this priority:
Finding a Path to Support Aging in Place in California
Nov 2025
California, National
Long-Term Care, Medicare-Medicaid Integration
Most older adults want to remain at home as they age, yet rising costs of health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS), also known as long-term care, and a fragmented care delivery system create barriers to doing so. This is particularly true for older adults with low incomes, who often experience complex care needs and chronic conditions. Efforts to integrate care for this population (e.g. coordinating Medicaid and Medicare services, integrating health care and housing) have had varying levels of success, and many remain siloed or face issues of scalability.
Advancing Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage
Feb 2024
Medicare-Medicaid Integration
This resource center provides research and data for plans, providers, beneficiary advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance understanding and utilization of Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage.
Profile of Older Californians: Medicare Beneficiaries Near Income Eligibility for Medi-Cal
Jul 2023
California
Medicare-Medicaid Integration
This brief examines key racial, ethnic, linguistic, spousal, familial, and insurance demographics of Californians with a focus on Medicare beneficiaries who are low income but do not meet income eligible requirements for Medi-Cal.
“Aging in Place: The Impact of Community During the Holidays” Statement for the Record
Dec 2025
Long-Term Care, Medicare Health and Social Supports, Medicare-Medicaid Integration, Multisector Plans for Aging
The SCAN Foundation appreciates the opportunity to submit this statement for the record in relation to the Committee’s December 3, 2025 hearing, “Aging in Place: The Impact of Community during the Holidays.”
New State- and County-Based Dashboard Shows Where Critical Medicaid Services are Used by Older Adults and People With Disabilities
Jun 2025
National
Long-Term Care, Medicare-Medicaid Integration
Just under 6 million older adults and people with disabilities nationwide rely on health and supportive services through Medicaid’s Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program, according to a new database showing where these individuals reside.
Addressing Aging in California: Insights from the State Capitol Hearing
Apr 2025
California
Long-Term Care, Medicare Health and Social Supports, Medicare-Medicaid Integration, Multisector Plans for Aging
On April 9, 2025, The SCAN Foundation’s President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty provided testimony at the Joint Hearing of California Assembly Budget Subcommittees on Human Services and Health.
