IA Health Link
Medicaid Managed Care
On April 1, 2016, the Iowa Department of Human Services transitioned most Iowa Medicaid members to a managed care program called IA Health Link. Most Iowa Medicaid members are enrolled in IA Health Link, which provides coverage through two managed care organizations (MCOs) at this time. Providers who care for Medicaid members must contract with the MCOs.
EPSDT Care for Kids
EPSDT Care for Kids is Iowa's Early and Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment program for children who are enrolled in Medicaid. Care for Kids services are free to children enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT services include:
- health history
- physical exam
- growth and development assessment
- vision and hearing screening
- dental screening and education
- immunizations
- developmental/behavioral screening
- nutrition assessment and education
- laboratory tests including blood lead testing
- anticipatory guidance
- referral for further diagnostic and treatment services
The EPSDT Care for Kids Informing and Care Coordination Handbook is available online.
Prior Authorization
All providers must follow prior authorization requirements for each MCO. Pharmacy drug claim prior authorizations are handled differently. MCOs must handle prior authorizations within 7 days.
Amerigroup
Amerigroup Medical Management:
- Phone: 1-800-454-3730
- Fax: 1-800-964-3627
- Amerigroup Provider Manual
UnitedHealthcare
Iowa Medicaid PDL
The Iowa Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL) webpages include contact information, policy updates, FAQs, prior authorization forms, and more:
UnitedHealthcare will withdraw from IA Health Link soon...
The Iowa Department of Human Services has received notice that UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will withdraw from the IA Health Link program soon. Members being served by UHC will transition to Amerigroup, Inc. or Iowa Total Care. The timeline is still being finalized, but UHC will withdraw no sooner than June 30, 2019. Iowa Total Care will begin serving IA Health Link members July 1. In the interim, members should continue to see their health care providers as usual.
Open Choice Period for IA Health Link is now in effect. Medicaid members may change MCOs for any reason at this time. They may choose Amerigroup or Iowa Total Care by June 18, 2019 for coverage effective July 1. Members can change MCOs for any reason through September 30, 2019.
Find more information about UnitedHealthcare’s withdrawal here.
Important Notice
The Iowa Department of Human Services has announced the selection of an additional managed care organization (MCO) to provide services to Iowa’s Medicaid members. The new MCO, Iowa Total Care, will begin providing services for members July 1, 2019. Members will be notified when they are able to select Iowa Total Care as their MCO.
For more information, see the IA Health Link FAQs for Members and FAQs for Providers.
Contact the MCOs
Amerigroup
Amerigroup Iowa, Inc.
Email:
iowamedicaid@amerigroup.com
Phone:
1-800-454-3730
Website:
https://providers.amerigroup.com/ia
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare of the River Valley, Inc.
Email:
IowaCommunityNetwork@uhc.com
Phone:
1-888-650-3462
Website:
http://www.uhccommunityplan.com/health-professionals/ia.html
Grievances and Appeals
Providers may file claim disputes with the managed care organizations (MCOs). Each of the three MCOs has developed and implemented written policies and procedures for claim disputes. You will find information about their grievances and appeals policies and procedures in their provider handbook or manual. Link to these online:
- Chapter 14: Grievances and Appeals
UnitedHealthcare Provider Manual:
- Chapter 4: Grievances, Appeals and State Fair Hearings
DHS Medicaid Tools
Providers should continue to use the eligibility tools from the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) to determine a member's MCO enrollment. Link to Medicaid Tools for Providers on the DHS website.
Ombudsman Program for Managed Care
The Managed Care Ombudsman Program (MCOP) helps people navigate the managed care system. In addition to its focus on older Iowans, MCOP advocates on behalf of children enrolled in HCBS waiver programs, which include intellectual disability, children's mental health, health and disability, and brain injury waivers.
Visit the MCOP webpage to find links for providers and members, MCOP reports materials, and and information for filing complaints.
Contact MCOP
Email the MCOP ombudsman:
ManagedCareOmbudsman@iowa.gov
Iowa 1st Five Initiative
Healthy Mental Development
The 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative is a public-private partnership bridging primary care and public health services in Iowa. The 1st Five model supports health providers in the earlier detection of social-emotional and developmental delays and family risk-related factors in children birth to 5 and coordinates referrals, interventions and follow-up.
Visit the 1st Five website to find links to resources for professionals and parents, program materials and videos, and links to related information.
Website Accessibility
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