MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Med-QUEST Division (MQD) has awarded five health care contracts to the state’s Medicaid programs for low-income residents.

The new QUEST contracts will improve access statewide, support new models to manage care for people with chronic diseases, and provide incentives for leveraging information technology to improve the health and well being of Hawaii’s residents.

The MQD awarded contracts to: AlohaCare, HMSA QUEST, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Ohana Health Plan, and United HealthCare Community Plan.

Ohana Health Plan and United HealthCare Community Plan are new providers for the QUEST program. Open enrollment in those programs begins Spring 2012. DHS will mail information to beneficiaries that will help them choose a health plan.

Beginning July 1, 2012, all the health plans, with the exception of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, will provide QUEST services to members statewide. Kaiser has chosen to focus its efforts on Oahu and Maui.

“These new contracts will improve upon an important safety net for Hawaii,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “Facilitating access, expanding and tailoring options, and incentivizing providers’ use of record and management technology for better efficiency are all important steps toward the healthcare transformation we need in Hawaii.”

One of those essential changes is “patient-centered care” where physicians and other healthcare providers work with clients, especially those with complex health problems and chronic diseases, to better manage and coordinate their care.

QUEST serves non-disabled children, pregnant women and adults younger than 65 years old. Services for children and pregnancy-related services will not change. Adults will receive the new QUEST-Adult benefits package for 2012 which includes:

* 30 inpatient days (plus 30 additional acute psychiatric days)
* Unlimited outpatient visits
* Laboratory and imaging services
* Outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgical center procedures
* Prescription medications
* Family planning/contraceptives
* Diabetes supplies
* Vaccines (pneumonia, influenza, tetanus/diphtheria)
* Limited non-emergency transportation
* Emergency medical
* Emergency dental
* Language access services

“The Department sincerely appreciates all the community input offered during the QUEST procurement period,” DHS Director Patricia McManaman said. “We look forward to partnering with the health plans and to providing quality healthcare for QUEST beneficiaries.”

More information about the QUEST RFP and the procurement process can be found on the State Procurement Office website at: www.spo.hawaii.gov/procurement-notices