Created a new payment system for providers to support program costs. This system will limit the burden on insurer assessments and policyholder premiums. These changes are intended to control expenditures and make the program more accessible and affordable to policyholders. Call volumes have increased from an average of 5,000 a month to 8,800 in January 1999 alone. The DHFS responded to this need as soon as it knew about the increased demand.
Most callers are now on hold for only a few minutes.
This will help reduce the number of claims inappropriately denied. These did not change basic benefit coverage. The DHFS has been making some changes required by state law intended to control expenditures and streamline administration. The payment will go to whoever is identified on the claim to receive the payment. If this information is not clearly indicated on a pharmacy claim, the payment will be sent to the policyholder.