As IA Health Link enters its second year, state leaders will evaluate how well it delivers on its goals. Iowa’s bold vision included improving health, saving taxpayer dollars, and creating a better system for enrollees. IA Health Link is making remarkable progress toward each of these objectives.
Just as each state is different, each Medicaid program is different based on state and resident needs. The 39 states that have moved to a modernized Medicaid program all share the same overarching goal: to achieve greater value through improved health outcomes. They also share a commitment for a better, more sustainable program. While traditional Medicaid programs simply pay for services with no infrastructure to coordinate care, ensure access, or improve quality or costs, modern Medicaid programs focus on continuous improvement by analyzing the needs and health of enrollees, finding new ways to be more efficient, and customizing the program so it meets the needs of the state and people it serves.
With Health Link, Iowans who rely on Medicaid have new options. Rather than being funneled into a single Medicaid program with little room for flexibility, enrollees have three health plans to choose from — empowering them to choose the health plan that best fits their needs.
Those options come with more support. For example, many more case managers are available to work with enrollees to ensure they get the right care at the right time in the right setting. Enrollees now also have access to services like a 24-hour nurse hotline, health coaching, and weight and nutrition support. Enrollees are even offered programs to help them manage their finances, earn their GED and seek employment. Enrollees can get healthier physically, mentally and financially.
Iowa also is better positioned to significantly minimize waste. Data provides a clearer view into how enrollees are getting care, and whether they are getting healthier or seeing improvements to quality of life. Hospital readmission rates are down, and more people are getting health support. Participants who previously did not know how to navigate health care now have resources to help them understand benefits and services. A more transparent system has not only led to more effective care, but it is also saving millions in taxpayer dollars.
Medicaid transformation is a journey. States that have modernized their Medicaid programs have experienced common — temporary — growing pains, which are overcome through the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved. Regardless of these growing pains, Iowa has achieved in one year what Medicaid managed care programs in other states took several years to accomplish.
Long-term benefits will be significant and sustainable. In research conducted by the Lewin Group, America’s Health Insurance Plans found that modern Medicaid programs saved hundreds of millions of dollars each year while achieving higher-quality outcomes. A separate poll showed that nearly 9 in 10 enrollees are satisfied with modern Medicaid coverage and benefits, while about 8 in 10 enrollees are highly satisfied with their level of access to providers.
By accelerating its Medicaid modernization, Iowa accelerated its ability to reap the rewards for enrollees and taxpayers. Modernized Medicaid is already delivering returns for Iowans through better experiences and access at lower costs. Those rewards will continue to grow.
Rhys Jones is vice president for Medicaid advocacy at America’s Health Insurance Plans, the national association whose members provide coverage for health care and related services for millions of Americans.