According to Branstad, Medicaid “Modernization” gave patients a choice from three new health plans that will offer better access and quality of care for the Medicaid population, and will help create a more predictable and sustainable Medicaid program.
As part of the safeguards put in place for Medicaid “Modernization”, Medicaid patients may continue to change health plans after the initial 90-day choice period for reasons of Good Cause, such as the patient moves to a new area, the patient needs related services performed at the same time and not all services are available in their current network, or the patient’s provider leaves the network. At a patient’s annual Medicaid renewal, they’ll have another opportunity to select a different health plan.
Since existing patients began receiving tentative health plan assignments or were notified of choice periods last fall, over 100,000 patients have elected to switch plans. The choice period allows patients the opportunity to get to know the health plans and make the best selection based on their family’s personal health needs and the more than 80 value-added services that the health plans will offer including 24-hour nurse hotlines, weight management programs and prenatal coaching. All new Medicaid patients also have a 90-day choice period to select their preferred health plan.
Benefits under Medicaid Modernization do not change and 97 percent of Medicaid providers have signed up with at least one of the new health plans as they have built robust provider networks and met federal requirements for the program. Medicaid Modernization means more doctors than ever before serving Medicaid patients. It also means better care, more access to services and improved accountability and oversight.
