As health systems continue to evolve toward more managed care models, care coordinators are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring that people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) receive appropriate, well-coordinated, and cost-effective care. Research has shown that effective care coordination and referral to services and supports for patients with ADRD and their informal caregivers (family and/or friends who provide care) can decrease unnecessary medical services utilization, delay institutionalization, and improve the quality of life of both patients with ADRD and their caregivers. However, care coordinators are often unprepared to meet the needs of this challenging population.

This research brief systematically reviews and analyzes care coordinator policies and practices within health plans participating in the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) demonstration programs for dually-eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries (referred to as “duals”).