Having a choice of providers has consistently been important to Americans when it comes to health care. Concerning something as important as personal health, people want to go to the physician, clinic, or advanced registered nurse they choose.

On August 1, HealthConnect, a new managed care program for persons who receive medical assistance under Medicaid through the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) will begin operating in Sedgwick County. More than 17 informational public meetings about the program to be held at 11 different locations in Sedgwick County during May and June are scheduled. The meetings will last about 30 minutes. (meeting list attached)

Enrollment packets for HealthConnect have been mailed to Medicaid beneficiaries. Beneficiaries may enroll during these informational meetings. Enrollment can also be done by mailing the enrollment card provided in the packet or by calling toll-free 1-800-766-9012.

With HealthConnect, Medicaid beneficiaries are being asked to choose a primary care provider. The primary care provider, who could be a physician, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, or a clinic, will supply all preventive and primary medical services. The primary care provider will refer beneficiaries to specialists when needed.

Persons receiving public assistance who do not select a primary care case manager will be assigned to one. HealthConnect is a primary care case management (PCCM) program which replaces the former PCCM program called the Primary Care Network. Most doctors in Sedgwick County who were in the Primary Care Network will also be in HealthConnect.

SRS Secretary Rochelle Chronister said the goals of managed care are to improve the quality of medical service being provided beneficiaries, increase their access to health care, and contain cost increases.

A key factor in meeting these goals is that beneficiaries choose a primary care case manager they are comfortable with to provide for their health care needs," she said. A major intent of managed care is to build relationships between consumers of medical care and their health care provider in order to build continuity of care and prevention."

Almost all Medicaid beneficiaries in Sedgwick County will be asked to choose a primary care provider. This includes people in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and the Poverty Level Women and Children (PLE) programs. Beneficiaries in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and the General Assistance (GA) program also need to enroll in HealthConnect.

Beneficiaries in HealthConnect will receive a blue identification card. Beneficiaries not in managed care programs will continue to receive the green identification card previously used by all Medicaid beneficiaries.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001