Wis. benefits firm to introduce an HMO

KeyLink Solutions, a third-party administrator and software development company in Thiensville, Wis., expects to introduce a Medicaid HMO in October for Milwaukee County and Waukesha County. It is the company's first HMO product, and a full commercial HMO is in the works for 2005. KeyLink administers third-party claims in six states and is licensed in 22 states, including Wisconsin. KeyLink will join three companies that currently operate Medicaid managed-care plans in the two Wisconsin counties. Thirteen companies contract with the state overall for Medicaid enrollees, said Angela Dombrowicki, director of the state's bureau of managed healthcare plans. There have been no problems so far with any of the state Medicaid contracts, and an established program for Medicaid HMO contracts has been in place in Milwaukee County since 1984, Dombrowicki said. KeyLink's application will be reviewed to ensure the provider network is adequate to serve members and that there's a system in place to pay claims, but Dombrowicki expects the company to meet state contracting standards. KeyLink is getting into the business as many health plans across the country are selling or shuttering their Medicaid HMOs citing large financial losses. -- by Susanna Moon