Despite our repeated efforts to stop or delay it, Governor Branstad’s ill-conceived plan to turn over management of Iowa Medicaid to three out-of-state companies became a reality for 560,000 Iowans on April 1.
Medicaid recipients, health care providers and advocates are worried and frustrated about how this major shake-up will impact our elderly and Iowans with disabilities. Senate Democrats will continue fighting for them by pushing for tough oversight and accountability to keep Iowa’s health care safety net strong.
In the meantime, here are some resources to help Iowans transition to the new system:
- Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) will offer health coverage to most Medicaid recipients and work directly with them regarding their coverage beginning April 1.
- Amerigroup Iowa, Inc. Phone: 1-800-600-4441 Web: www.myamerigroup.com/IA
- AmeriHealth Caritas Phone: 1-855-332-2440 Web: www.amerihealthcaritasia.com
- UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley Phone: 1-800-464-9484 Web: www.UHCCommunityPlan.com/ia
- Medicaid Member Services will assist Medicaid recipients with questions and concerns about health care coverage, MCO enrollment, and which MCOs their health care provider has signed up with. Toll Free: 1-800-338-8366 Local: 515-256-4606 Website: www.IAHealthLink.gov Email: IMEMemberServices@dhs.state.ia.us
- Iowa Medicaid Provider Services will enroll health care providers with Iowa Medicaid and assist with eligibility and MCO questions. Providers must also contract with MCOs to be reimbursed for health care services to Medicaid members. Toll Free: 1-800-338-7909 Local: 515-256-4609 Email: IMEProviderServices@dhs.state.ia.us
Special Hours for Managed Care Transition
The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) will have call staff available Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist members and providers with the transition to managed care. The Managed Care Organizations will also have special hours.
- IME Member Services
Toll Free: 1-800-338-8366
Des Moines Area: 515-256-4606 - IME Provider Services
Toll Free: 1-800-338-7909
Des Moines Area: 515-256-4609 - Amerigroup Iowa, Inc.
Provider Services: 1-800-454-3730
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 2-3
Member Services: 1-800-600-4441
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 2-3 - AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, Inc.
Provider Services: 1-855-287-7855
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 2-3
Member Services: 1-855-332-2440
24 hours a day, seven days a week. - UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley, Inc.
Provider Services: 1-888-650-3462
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 2-3
Member Services: 1-800-464-9484
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 2-3