Open Choice Period for Current Iowa Health Link Members

 

Do I have to change my MCO?

You do not have to change your MCO. If you like your current MCO, you do not need to do anything. 
 
If you would like to change your MCO, please call the IME Member Services Unit at 1-800-338-8366 or 515-256-4606 (when calling from within the Des Moines area), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
For telephone accessibility assistance if you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942.
 

Do I need to let Iowa Medicaid know if I am staying with my current MCO?

If you are not changing your MCO, you do not need to contact Iowa Medicaid. Your coverage with your current MCO will continue without interruption.
 

How do I know which MCO is right for me?

You should choose the MCO that best fits your needs, or the needs of your family. There are many resources available on the DHS website to assist in making your MCO choice, such as the Provider Search Portal, and the MCO Value-Added-Services Comparison Chart.
 

How long do I have to change my MCO?

You are given an Annual Choice Period of 60 days to change your MCO for any reason. Your Annual Choice Period is listed on your Annual Enrollment Letter that is in your Annual Choice Packet.
 

What if I don't make a change in my MCO now but I want to later?

You are given an Annual Choice Period of 60 days to change your MCO for any reason. After your Annual Choice Period has ended, and throughout the year, you may only change your MCO for reasons of "Good Cause."
 

How do I change my MCO?

Phone: You may call the IME Member Services Unit at 1-800-338-8366 or 515-256-4606 (when calling from within the Des Moines area), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Mail: Iowa Medicaid Member Services can mail you an MCO enrollment form that you can mail or scan and email back to the IME. To request a paper form, call IME Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or 515-256-4606 (when calling from within the Des Moines area), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Email: You can also email IME Member Services at IMEmemberServices@dhs.state.ia.us
 
For telephone accessibility assistance if you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942.
 

When will my choice take effect?

Your choice will take effect the month after your annual choice period has ended.
 

Why doesn't my choice take effect immediately?

Your choice will not take effect until your annual enrollment date. Your annual enrollment date is based on when you first began enrollment in managed care.
 

Will I still receive Medicaid benefits before I start coverage with my new MCO?

You will continue to receive Medicaid benefits from your current MCO until your coverage begins with your new MCO.
 

Will my benefits change?

As long as your Medicaid eligibility does not change, your benefits will remain the same no matter which MCO you select. Each MCO does have additional Value-Added Services that are particular to their plan. You may want to review these services to see which benefits will be most beneficial to you.
 

Will I get a new ID card?

If you change your MCO, you will receive an ID card from your new MCO approximately 1-2 weeks before your coverage begins.
 
If you do not make a choice, you will not receive a new ID card from your MCO.
 

I have an upcoming appointment, which ID card do I use?

You will continue to use your current MCO ID card until you begin coerage with your new MCO. 
 
 

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Iowa Medicaid Member Services (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
1-800-338-8366 (Toll Free) 
515-256-4606 (Des Moines Area)
515-725-1351 (Fax)
 
For telephone accessibility assistance if you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942.
 
Llame al 1-800-735-2942, a Relay Iowa TTY (teléfono de texto para personas con problemas de audición, del habla y ceguera) si necesita asistencia telefónicamente.