Program Management is headed by a Chief Operating Officer. Freedom of Choice Waiver. The St. Louis region began services in September 1995 and includes five counties. Central region began services in March 1996 and encompasses 18 counties.
Western region includes a total of nine counties.
The region began services in January 1997 in seven counties with two additional counties added effective February 1999. Managed Care provides a wide range of services to those enrolled in the program. The state has contracted with licensed health plans to provide these services. The Program Operations Unit is primarily responsible for the research, analysis, development, implementation and monitoring of various benefit programs within the Medicaid agency, including the prior authorization process for approval of medically necessary items and services which are not typically reimbursed by Medicaid. The Program Development staff also aid in the implementation of major changes to existing programs.