Evaluation of the Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Programs

As part of the ongoing quality assurance activities of Iowa's Medicaid Managed Care Program, the Iowa Department of Human Services (IDHS) has been contracting with researchers at The University of Iowa Public Policy Center to conduct a survey of adults and children enrolled in the Iowa Medicaid managed care programs. Since 1991, this study has been funded through the Iowa Department of Human Services (IDHS) to provide outcome and performance measures. In 2011, MediPASS, the primary care case management (PCCM) model managed care program is the only Medicad managed care option in the state. Enrollees have the opportunity to choose a primary care physician who acts ast their primary care case manager. In March 2011, there were 193,834 Iowans enrolled in MediPASS. The 2011 Survey of Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Enrollees was conducted during the spring and summer of 2011 using a mixed-mode mail and telephone methodology. Outcomes are analyzed from the enrollment, claims and encounter data provided by the IDHS. Performance measures indicate that enrollees are satisfied with their care, even though they may have some unmet need. A variety of barriers to care have been identified including transportation and number of providers willing to accept Medicaid. Results help IDHS to identify areas of need, providing direction for program planning and improvement.