Member News
Transition to New Fiscal Agent Contrator
In October of 2022, Alaska's Department of Health, Division of Health Care Services announced that it signed a contract with Health Management Systems, Inc. (HMS), a Gainwell Technologies company, to provide Fiscal Agent Services (FAS) to support the Alaska Medicaid Program. Services for members include:
- Member call center support
- Service authorizations
- Medical claims processing
- Fair hearing coordination
- Care Management Program coordination
The transition from Conduent to HMS is currently anticipated to cutover on April 1, 2023. You should experience no difference in how you contact he Alaska Medicaid Fiscal Agent other than a change in logo and email addresses. P.O. boxes, phone and fax numbers will not change. For more details, please see the FAQs
Alaska Department of Health Introduces Fresh Start
Ready to feel better? The Alaska Department of Health introduced Fresh Start to connect Alaskans to free programs for better health. Many programs are available online or by phone to lose weight; lower blood sugar; lower blood pressure; and stop smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. Visit Fresh Start to find a free, flexible program that's right for you.
988 Goes Live!
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is switching to a three-digit number (9-8-8) on July 16, 2022. You can still call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Alaska Careline at 877-266-HELP even after July 16th, but you can also call 988! This change has been brewing for a couple of years. In 2020, Congress designated 988 as the new dialing code for the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The number can be used by anyone, any time. It provides accessible support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress, which includes thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. You can also call about a friend or family member who is in distress, and the person on the phone will walk you through how to help and provide resources for your loved one.
The new 988 number is not replacing the Careline. If you call 988 from a 907 area code it will connect you to the Careline. Alaskans can also still call the Careline if they are feeling sad, depressed or just need someone to talk to. When 988 launches on July 16, it will be available alongside the Careline, which will continue to take calls.
Source: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
DPA Recipient Virtual Contact Center is Live
Questions about a benefit application, your eligibility, or Alaska Medicaid eligibility cards?
Alaska Medicaid members may contact the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) Virtual Contact Center at 800.478.7778 for real-time assistance. Members may remain on the line for a live customer service agent or choose to receive a call back in the order the call was received.
