During the legislative hearing today for the Idaho House and Senate Health and Welfare committees, a number of individuals voiced concerns about the performance of Idaho Medicaid’s contracted non-emergency medical transportation broker, Veyo, and their contracted drivers.

Veyo ensures that transportation is provided for Medicaid participants to medical appointments and other Medicaid benefits.  Veyo centrally coordinates requests for transportation from Medicaid participants and assigns them to a network of transportation providers.  Veyo took over the brokerage contract from American Medical Response in July of 2016.  Medicaid’s responsibility is to monitor this contract and ensure that it is working as intended and with a high level of responsible service.

A change this big is never easy.  Veyo and their provider network initially struggled with the switch.  Medicaid responded by working closely with Veyo, transportation providers and community advocates to identify, target, and address areas for performance improvement.    Continue reading “Idaho is Committed to Improving Medicaid Transportation” →

Influenza (“Flu”) activity is currently low in the United States and Idaho, but is expected to increase in the coming weeks with holiday travel and family get-togethers just around the corner. We are already seeing some positive flu tests across the state.

“With the holidays approaching, this is the perfect time to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated against the flu,” says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, the state’s influenza surveillance coordinator. “We don’t want to see people’s holidays ruined because of flu illnesses that are easily preventable. A flu vaccination today offers protection throughout this year’s flu season.” Continue reading “Get Your Flu Vaccine Before the Holidays!” →

The Idaho Division of Medicaid is seeking public comment on plans being submitted  to the federal government to set new rates and methodology to reimburse providers of supported living services. These services help developmentally disabled adults live in their own homes rather than in an institution or certified family home.

The proposed amendments are the result of an intensive cost survey conducted of supported living providers earlier this year, followed by stakeholder meetings for additional input and analysis. If approved by the federal government, Idaho Medicaid anticipates the new methodology and rates will go into effect on April 3, 2017. Continue reading “Idaho Medicaid Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Supported Living Rates” →

A southwest Idaho child under the age of 5 may have Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), the first reported case in the state this year. AFM is a very rare, but serious condition that can cause a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis in a person’s arms or legs, or the loss of reflexes. AFM most often occurs in children.

AFM is not a germ that can pass from person to person. AFM is a condition that suddenly develops, sometimes in people who initially had a viral infection such as West Nile, polio, a cold or after a fever. Nationally, the incidence of AFM is less than one case per million people.

Since some cases of AFM occur after infections from preventable diseases, there are interventions you can take to protect yourself and your family.  First, make sure everyone is up-to-date on their vaccinations, so you do not get infected with a preventable disease that may make you susceptible to AFM.  Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. During seasons when mosquitoes are active, take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Symptoms for AFM are a sudden onset of limb weakness or paralysis, and loss of muscle tone. AFM symptoms can also include facial droop, difficulty moving your eyes, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech. If a person has sudden onset of any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Nationally, as of September, there were 89 cases of AFM reported from 33 states in 2016.  This compares to 21 cases in 2015, and 120 two years ago.  Due to a recent national increase in cases, which include illnesses from Washington, Idaho’s health districts are informing doctors and healthcare providers throughout the state to notify public health if they suspect AFM. With this initial case in southwest Idaho, blood samples are being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing to determine if a cause can be found.

For more information about this rare, but serious disease, please visit the CDC’s website.