Department of Human Services Letterhead s7

CHESTER J. CULVER, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PATTY JUDGE, LT. GOVERNOR KEVIN W. CONCANNON, DIRECTOR

Informational Letter No. 632 July 9, 2007

To: All Medicaid Providers

From: The Iowa Department of Human Services Iowa Medicaid Enterprise

RE: Annual Medicaid Cards

Effective Date: August 1, 2007

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will begin issuing an annual medical assistance card to Iowa Medicaid members effective August 2007. Issuance of annual cards is consistent with systems used by commercial health plans and by the majority of states’ Medicaid programs.

Each member will be issued their own wallet sized card plus two key chain cards. Families will no longer be issued one card for the entire family. Each card will have the member’s name, state ID number and date of birth. IME contact phone numbers for both members and providers will be listed on the back of the card. No other program specific information will be included on the card, such as effective date, member eligibility, lock-in, MediPASS, etc. The member will not be issued a new card if they change programs. The member may have a card even though they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.

In order to transition to the new card the Department will, for August 2007, continue to issue the paper cards as has been done in the past. At a point during the middle of August all members will also receive the new plastic annual card. Either the old paper card or the new plastic card is valid for August 2007. For new eligible members during the month of August and for everyone after August 2007, only the new plastic annual card will be issued. Beginning September 2007, only the plastic card will be valid. The Department will issue plastic annual cards:  at the time of approval for new members  in July of each year for current members  upon re-enrollment, as necessary  upon request for lost, stolen, or damaged cards

The new annual card does not guarantee Medicaid eligibility. At the time of service providers must confirm eligibility, identify any service restrictions (such as lock-in, HMO, MediPASS, Iowa Plan) and ascertain whether a member has other health insurance coverage. Providers can confirm eligibility on the Department’s secure web site or by phoning the Eligibility Verification System (ELVS).  For access to the secure web site contact EDISS at 800-967-7902.  The ELVS phone numbers are 800-338-7752 or local to Des Moines at 515-323- 9639.

IOWA MEDICAID ENTERPRISE – 100 ARMY POST ROAD - DES MOINES, IA 50315 Providers do not need to see the card to use either of these systems because the member ID number will allow the provider to determine eligibility and any restrictions. In addition, both the secure web site and the ELVS line also allow eligibility verification using a member date of birth and Social Security Number. The web site will also require the last name of the member.

Annual cards will provide the following additional benefits:  Providers may copy the annual card for the member’s medical file and check eligibility at the time of service rather than requiring the member to present the card at each visit.  Nursing home and other facilities will not need to track and file each member’s eligibility card every month.

Iowa Medicaid members will receive two mailings in July informing them of the new annual cards. The initial mailing is attached for your review and will be sent to members the first part of July. A second reminder will be sent to members prior to August 1, 2007.

The IME appreciates your partnership as we work together to serve the needs of Iowa Medicaid members. If you have any questions, please contact IME Provider Services at 1-800-338-7909, locally at 515-725-1004 or by e-mail at: [email protected].