HCA Announces Expanded Managed Care Options for Basic Health, Medicaid Clients in Clark County

DJ Wilson | Jun 1, 2012 | Washington

Today, June 1, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) announced that two new managed care options for Basic Health and Medicaid have been added in Clark County. Clark had previously been the only one of 39 Washington counties not assigned at least one health plan.

This is good news for Clark County.  As we pointed out in a recent post, residents and Medicare beneficiaries there had previously been stuck in limbo – worried and unsure who their health providers would be or whether they would be able to find coverage.

In the press release sent today, Doug Porter, HCA director, had this to say:

Basic Health and Medicaid clients in Clark County currently covered by Columbia United Providers will be able to choose to stay with those providers going into the new contract period, which begins July 1.

In all, Clark County clients now will be able to choose between four plans – Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc., Coordinated Care Corp., UnitedHealthcare and Community Health Plan.

The agency also is delaying a June 4 Basic Health open enrollment deadline until 5 p.m. June 15 – giving Basic Health clients more time to choose between the plans.

In turn, CUP published a release via their website, where they expressed satisfaction with the state’s approval:

Although we are disappointed that the state was not willing to award CUP with a direct contract; we believe that this is a very good outcome in a very difficult situation.

It also sets the stage beautifully for CUP to apply to the state for a direct contract in the next RFP process (anticipated in 18 months).

This agreement obviates the chaos that would have ensued without a managed care plan in Clark County, and allows CUP to be the managed care partner for regional providers at the best rates possible.

To view CUP’s website, click here: PatientsLoseOut

A PDF of state’s press release, which also contains a link to view service areas awarded for Basic Health and Healthy Options, is located here : HCA Press Release