Managed Care Organization, Amerigroup, is changing their name Wellpoint in Iowa on January 1, 2024.
There will be no impact or changes to your Medicaid coverage or access to providers and supports because of the change.
New ID cards with the Wellpoint name and logo will be mailed to you in early 2024. You can continue using your current card to access your existing services until the new card arrives.
If you have questions, please contact the Amerigroup/Wellpoint member services line at 833-731-2140.
Overview
When a member is approved for Medicaid, they are assigned to a Managed Care Organization (MCO) and dental plan (MCO) unless they qualify for services under a Fee-for-Service (FFS) program. Members have 90 days from their initial enrollment to change their MCO or their dental plan for any reason.
After a member has been with an MCO or dental plan for 12 months, they may change their MCO or dental plan for any reason during their annual Open Choice period.
Members who wish to change their MCO during their initial enrollment period or during their Open Choice period may use the MCO Change form to submit their choice.
Members who wish to change their dental plan during their initial enrollment or during their Open Choice period may use the Dental Carrier Change form to submit their choice.
Members who wish to keep their current MCO or dental plan do NOT need to take any action to keep their current plans.
Outside of a member's initial enrollment and their Open Choice period, they may only change MCOs for reasons of Good Cause.
Complete one of the following steps to change your MCO or dental plan:
Web: Complete the MCO Change form and submit it to Iowa Medicaid Member Services. Please note that you will need to download the form in order to submit it.
Phone: Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or locally in the Des Moines area at 515-256-4606.
Mail: Return the completed MCO Change form through the mail to: Member Services PO Box 36510 Des Moines, IA 50315
Iowa Medicaid is not responsible for lost or delayed mail. Change forms received after the deadline may not be processed.
Open Choice FAQs
You do not have to change your MCO or dental plan. If you like your current MCO or dental plan, you do not need to do anything.
If you are not changing your MCO or dental plan, you do not need to contact Iowa Medicaid. Your coverage with your current MCO or dental plan will continue without interruption.
You should choose the MCO or dental plan that best fits your needs, or the needs of your family. There are many resources available on the HHS website to assist in making your MCO or dental plan choice, such as the Provider Search Portal, and the MCO ande dental Value-Added-Services Comparison Chart.
You are given an Annual Choice Period to change your MCO or dental plan for any reason. Your Annual Choice Period is listed on your Annual Enrollment Letter that is in your Annual Choice Packet.
You are given an Annual Choice Period to change your MCO or dental plan for any reason. After your Annual Choice Period has ended, and throughout the year, you may only change your MCO or dental plan for reasons of "Good Cause."
You will continue to receive Medicaid benefits from your current MCO or dental plan until your coverage begins with your new MCO or dental plan.
As long as your Medicaid eligibility does not change, your benefits will remain the same no matter which MCO or dental plan you select.
If you change your MCO or dental plan, you will receive an ID card from your new MCO or dental plan approximately 1-2 weeks before your coverage begins.
You will continue to use your current MCO or dental plan ID card until you begin coverage with your new MCO or dental plan.
