Dual Eligible Adults With Autism Differ From The Overall Dual Eligible Population

Adults with autism who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid have different demographic characteristics and coverage pathways than the overall dual eligible population, according to a recent report.

Most of the more than 9 million dual eligible adults are age 65 or older and have chronic medical conditions. Most qualify for Medicare after turning 65 and later qualify for Medicaid based on income. However, among dual eligible adults with autism, 61% were under age 45. Most became dual eligible after first qualifying for Medicaid based on disability before later gaining Medicare coverage due to long-term disability.

Demographically, dual . . .