Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) today announced the distribution of an annual Medicaid card for members, as opposed to a monthly card which has been used since the start of the Medicaid program. This move is expected to save West Virginia $2.5 million a year and will take effect April 2015.

 

“This change is significant for both the Medicaid member and provider,” said Cynthia Beane, Acting BMS Commissioner. “In the future, Medicaid members will have an insurance card similar to private insurance cards.  More importantly, this change from monthly to annual cards will significantly reduce costs to the State.”

 

For the first year of use, the Medicaid card will be printed on paper.  BMS and DHHR’s Office of Management Information Services will consider alternative forms for future years. 

New cards will be issued in January of each year.  If a member loses or misplaces their card, the member can receive a duplicate card by contacting a case worker at their local DHHR office, by calling the DHHR Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212, or by going online to www.wvmmis.com for a Letter of Creditable Coverage.  The Letter of Creditable Coverage is valid for the day it is printed. 

 

Beane reminds medical providers to verify their patient is still a Medicaid member by either going online to the provider portal at www.wvmmis.com or calling 1-888-483-0793.