HealthConnect, a new managed care program expected to improve the access, quality and cost effectiveness of health care for Kansas Medicaid beneficiaries, will begin operating in Saline and Ottawa counties November 1.

Under HealthConnect, people receiving Medicaid services in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children or Poverty-level eligible programs will choose a primary care case manager under contract with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. The primary care case manager will provide all the regular primary medical services needed by the Medicaid recipients and refer him or her to a medical specialist when necessary.

The primary care case manager, which include physicians, clinics and other group practices, or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, will, in effect, become the gatekeeper" to health care for persons covered by Medicaid. Current Medicaid beneficiaries will still get a medical card and the same medical services will be available under HealthConnect as are presently available.

Medicaid beneficiaries have been sent an enrollment packet which includes a list of medical providers to choose from and an enrollment form.

A series of HealthConnect enrollment meetings have been scheduled across Saline and Ottawa counties. Besides providing an enrollment opportunity, HealthConnect representatives will be available to answer questions about the managed care program.

Saline, Ottawa counties enrollment meetings for HealthConnect

Enrollment for HealthConnect will be open from September 15 to October 15. Medicaid beneficiaries who fail to make a choice of primary care case managers during the 30 days of open enrollment will have a primary care case manager assigned to them by SRS.

For further information, contact the SRS fiscal agent at 1-800-766-9012.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001