Health Care Reform

Choice Period Open Until April 4 for KanCare Members Enrolled at Start of Program 

Rapid Response Call moves to 3 Days a Week

KanCare members who were enrolled as of Jan. 1 have until April 4 to switch to one of the other two health plans if they prefer the extra services or provider network of a different plan. This 90-day transition period has given members and providers an opportunity to evaluate the options and make informed decisions under the new Medicaid delivery system.

KanCare has three health plans—Amerigroup Kansas, Sunflower State Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan—from which members can choose. All three plans cover the same services that Medicaid beneficiaries received prior to KanCare, plus extra services that are unique to each health plan. KanCare participants who wish to stay with their current health plan do not need to take any action. Those wishing to change to a different health plan before the deadline may call (866) 305-5147 for assistance.

Individuals and families who become eligible for KanCare later this year will have a 90-day period in which they can change their health plan. Members will have another open enrollment period after they have been with their selected plan for a full year. Information about the three KanCare health plans is available here: http://www.kancare.ks.gov/choosing_a_plan.htm.

“It is important for KanCare members to know that open enrollment periods only apply to selecting a health plan. KanCare beneficiaries can switch doctors and other service providers within their health plan’s network any time during the plan year,” said Robert Moser, M.D., Secretary of Health and Environment and State Health Officer.

Updated Schedule for Rapid Response Calls

On Thursday, March 28, time allotted for the Rapid Response Call will be increased in length by 30 minutes, with the call open from 9-10:30 a.m.

Starting April 2, the KanCare Rapid Response Call will be held three times per week in preparation for any issues related to the April 4 end to the member choice period. These calls will start at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

During the KanCare Rapid Response Call, we welcome consumers, providers and other stakeholders to join the phone line and ask questions about their individual needs as it pertains to the transition to KanCare.

To join the call, dial (877) 247-8650 and use ID Code #79687456.

Heath Care Reform Update: Affordable Care Act

Sept. 23, several key child health provisions within the Affordable Care Act took effect:

• All pediatric well-child visits—including a physical exam, immunizations, hearing and vision screening, developmental and behavioral screening, and anticipatory guidance, in accordance with the Bright Futures periodicity schedule—must be covered by certain insurance plans with no co-pays or deductibles for families.
• Eligible young adults will be able to remain on their parents’ health insurance up to age 26.
• The Patient’s Bill of Rights takes effect, which eliminates most annual and lifetime limits on insurance coverage; bans insurers from denying care to children with pre-existing conditions and from dropping coverage when a child or adult becomes ill; and allows parents to designate a pediatrician to treat their child. These provisions apply to different types of insurance at different times.

Website on Health Care Reform

New Consumer-Friendly Website on Health Care Reform

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new website designed to help consumers understand the new health reform law, learn more about insurance options, learn about prevention, and compare health care quality.  In addition to providing coverage scenarios based on individual circumstances, it also highlights the issues and benefits of the new law for providers.  To see more, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/.