A Primer on the Dual Eligible Population in Massachusetts Share: Prepared with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Date: 03.29.21 Across the United States, over 12 million low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities receive health care coverage through both their state Medicaid program and Medicare; these are known as dual eligible individuals. Dual eligible individuals often have some of the most complex care needs. Many require not only physical and behavioral health care, but also long-term services and supports (LTSS) such as home health aide and personal care services to help them with their daily care needs and routines. Of the more than 1.8 million people enrolled in MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, one in five are dually eligible and receive health care coverage through two distinct payers: Medicare and MassHealth. Massachusetts has long recognized the challenges in coordinating care for this population with complex needs, and the state has been a pioneer in implementing integrated care programs that cover these members’ comprehensive Medicare and MassHealth benefits through a single program administered by MassHealth.