Greene County Medical Center has now finalized a contract with AmeriHealth Caritas, one of the three managed care organizations (MCOs) for Iowa’s Medicaid managed care program, scheduled to begin April 1, 2016. In early February, the medical center announced that it had signed a contract with United Healthcare. Negotiations continue with the third and final MCO, AmeriGroup.
In late December, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) delayed the starting date of the new managed care program, Iowa Health Link, until March 1. CMS has just announced the program can begin April 1.
In the meantime, the medical center continues with preparations to be ready for the April 1 date. The two signed contracts ensure that Medicaid recipients with United Healthcare or AmeriHealth Caritas coverage can receive covered care at the medical center. Emergency care for all Medicaid patients will continue to fall under EMTALA guidelines.
The medical center remains committed to caring for all patients, regardless of their Medicaid provider situation.
Visiting specialists and UnityPoint Clinic are conducting their own negotiations and will not be part of the medical center’s arrangements. Medicaid recipients are encouraged to communicate directly with their individual providers.
Medicaid recipients were automatically put into one of the three provider groups, but have the option to change their provider up until May 18, 2016. Recipients who have questions or are interested in changing providers are encouraged to contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services for assistance or with questions. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 1-800-338-8366.
