Understanding the Preferences of Dual-Eligible Consumers in Los Angeles County
This study snapshot outlines findings from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded research examining the preferences of dual-eligible consumers in Los Angeles County and the linguistic and ethnic disparities that exist in opt-out rates.
In California, dual-eligible individuals in seven counties are served by Cal MediConnect, a managed care demonstration program that integrates medical and behavioral health, and long-term services and supports for enrollees. Despite the extra benefits offered by Cal MediConnect, Los Angeles County has the lowest rate of enrollment at 19 percent.
This study snapshot outlines research by Kathryn Kietzman, Ph.D. and colleagues at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, who held 53 in-depth, one-on-one interviews and six focus groups to understand the decision-making processes of Cal MediConnect eligible individuals in Los Angeles County and understand the significant linguistic disparities and ethnic differences in opt-out rates. Their findings revealed that consumers often feel overwhelmed by their options and may be misinformed about the benefits of the plans. But even in cases where consumers understand the benefits, some opt out of the program in order to remain within a trusted network of care.
The full results of the study are available at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
This project is funded as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s solicitation “Optimizing Value in Health Care: Consumer-focused Trends from the Field,” which is managed by AcademyHealth.