DHS releases RFP to boost Med-QUEST outreach

By

Nicole Pasia

|

The Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the Med-QUEST program on Wednesday to provide outreach, health insurance enrollment assistance, and other Kōkua services for Hawaii’s underserved populations. 

The contract will award approximately $1.45 million per year to multiple awardees from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. 

 

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The RFP details the scope of services an ideal contractor should provide. This includes services that would prioritize the target population, or “those who have challenges with the application and enrollment process due to language, cultural or other socio-economic factors,” according to a description in the RFP. The contractor would also distribute Med-QUEST-approved educational and marketing materials to the target populations. 

The document specifically highlighted the following communities: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and individuals transitioning from institutional care or homelessness.

Medicaid enrollment in Hawaii has continued to rise throughout the pandemic. According to Med-QUEST data, over 115,000 new enrollments occurred from March 2020 to March 2022, which is a 35% increase. However, these enrollments are subject to redetermination after the end of the federal public health emergency (PHE), which currently extends through April 2022. 

 

Image: Hawaii Department of Human Services

 

The RFP is part of DHS’ continued effort to streamline the enrollment process for communities already experiencing barriers to care and those at risk of losing coverage at the end of the PHE.  

Intended offerers may attend an orientation for the RFP from 1:00-2:00 p.m. HST on April 11 via teleconference. Proposals are due on May 13, followed by contract awards on May 31. The effective contact date begins July 1.