Medicaid is a health insurance program for our nation’s poorest adults and children that is funded by federal and state governments. In fact, one out of five Americans are covered by Medicaid. Today, many states are partnering with health players in the private market to manage their Medicaid programs, which will improve care and reduce costs for taxpayers. This is called Medicaid managed care for people on society’s margins. This includes those who are disabled, poor or chronically ill.
Medicaid managed care plans give them a chance at living better and healthier lives. Medicaid managed care plans are sort of like a travel agent, but instead of charting a trip, they help navigate the health system. Everyone comes to a travel agent with a different destination in mind. Some want to plan a day trip close to home while others are planning a more lengthy voyage. According to Medicaid, Medicaid managed care serves a similar need for patients by helping to identify and treat their health needs, from small things like flu shots to serious needs, like cancer care. Like managed care, travel agents are helpful guides. Their job is to coordinate all the details and make the trip as easy as possible.
That is just like Medicaid Managed Care, which uses care managers who help beneficiaries access health benefits and coordinate care. According to KFF, Medicaid Managed care offers more than just health care programs. It can connect beneficiaries with housing, transportation and other services that keep them and their families healthy. Medicaid Managed care plans are important partners to states all across the country through the power of private market innovation. They help prevent health problems, improve lives and save taxpayers money.
