Open Choice

Notice:
July 27, 2023 – Some members are having trouble using the Iowa Medicaid phone system to complete their selection for their Managed Care or dental provider. We are working to resolve this issue.

Members can still return their open choice form through mail, email or by calling the member services number, at 1-800-338-8366, using Option 2 for enrollment, and Option 2 to speak to a member services agent.

Hawki members may return their open choice form through mail, email or by calling the member services number, at 1-800-257-8563, using Option 2 for enrollment, and Option 2 to speak to a member services agent.

Overview

Once a member is approved for Medicaid, they are automatically enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO) unless they qualify for services under a Fee-for-Service (FFS) program. Members have 90 days from their initial enrollment to change their MCO or their dental plan for any reason.

Currently the three Iowa Medicaid MCOs are:

And the current Iowa Medicaid Dental Plans are:

After a member has been with a MCO or dental plan for 12 months, they will have the opportunity to change their MCO or dental plan for any reason during their annual Open Choice period.

  • Members who wish to change their MCO during their initial enrollment period or during their Open Choice period may use the MCO Change form to submit their choice. 

  • Members who wish to change their dental plan during their initial enrollment or during their Open Choice period may use the Dental Carrier Change form to submit their choice. 

  • Members who want to keep their current MCO do NOT need to change anything during the Open Choice period.  

Note: Outside of a member's initial enrollment and their Open Choice period, they may only change MCOs for reasons of Good Cause.

 

Changing Your MCO

You will need to do ONE of the below:

  • Web: Complete the MCO Change form and submit it to Iowa Medicaid Member Services. Please note that you will need to download the form in order to submit it. 

  • Email: Iowa Medicaid Member Services at IMEMemberServices@dhs.state.ia.us.

  • Phone: Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or locally in the Des Moines area at 515-256-4606.

  • Mail: If you wish, you may return the MCO Change form to: Member Services, PO Box 36510, Des Moines, IA 50315. Mail is not processed daily and your MCO choice may be delayed.

MCO Open Choice FAQs

Changing Dental Carriers

New Dental Wellness Plan (DWP) and Dental Wellness Plan Kids (DWP Kids) members are enrolled right away with a dental carrier. New members then have 90 days to change dental carriers for any reason.

Additionally, once a member has been with a dental carrier for 12 months, they have the opportunity to change dental carriers for any reason during their annual choice period.

New or current members who wish to change their dental carrier may use the Dental Carrier Change form to submit their choice. 

Outside of a member's initial enrollment and their annual choice period, they may only change dental carriers for reasons of Good Cause.

IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THINGS JUST THE WAY THEY ARE, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING.

How do I change my dental carrier?

  • Web: Complete the Dental Carrier Change form and submit it to Iowa Medicaid Member Services.
  • Email:  Iowa Medicaid Member Services at IMEMemberServices@dhs.state.ia.us.
  • Phone: Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or locally in the Des Moines area at 515-256-4606. (Automated phone service is available 24 hours a day).
  • Mail: If you wish, you may return the Dental Carrier Change form to: Member Services, PO Box 36510, Des Moines, IA 50315. (Mail is not processed daily and your dental carrier choice may be delayed.)

Dental Wellness Enrollment FAQs

Dental Wellness Plan Annual Choice Period FAQs

For telephone accessibility assistance, use the resources below.