Managed Care Organizations (MCO)

As of April 1, 2016, most Iowa Medicaid programs will be joined together in a single program called IA Health Link. The new IA Health Link program is designed to give current Iowa Medicaid members access to high quality care coverage through a managed care organization, or MCO.

While Opportunities Unlimited does not have influence over these IA Health Link/Medicaid Modernization initiative decisions, we do want to be a resource.

Is IA Health Link the same as the Medicaid Modernization Initiative?

Yes, the program is now called IA Healthy Link. Other names you may hear include Medicaid Modernization or Iowa Managed Care Program.

When does this take effect?

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is transitioning most Medicaid members to a new managed care program called iA Health Link as of January 1, 2016. DHS has stated all members will have six months to two years to remain or change their current provider(s), depending on the Iowa Medicaid program in which they are currently enrolled. Members may keep their current medical health providers, mental health providers and case manager until at least June 30, 2016, as long as their provider(s) choose to enter into a contract with the MCOs.

Why the new program?

The main goals of IA Health Link are:

• Improve coordination and quality of care that Medicaid members receive
• Become a healthier state
• Help Iowa work towards a balanced, predictable state budget.

What managed care organizations were selected?

• Amerigroup Iowa, Inc.
• Amerihealth Caritas Iowa, Inc.
• UnitedHealthcare of the River Valley, Inc.
  

For additional information, please visit the following websites:

• Iowa Department of Human Services
• IA Health Link
• Americgroup Iowa, Inc.
• Iowa Total Care