Arizona is launching a technology outreach strategy to help Medicaid beneficiaries better manage their illnesses, including a mobile app. Experts say the initiative's success will vary widely for a population that may not have smartphones.
Gov. Doug Ducey announced the effort last week, but released few details other than saying the strategy involves apps, texts and an online portal.
Through these channels, patients will be able to receive reminders about appointments, access disease-management tools and find primary-care doctors or urgent-care locations. The state says the features will ensure patients get timely care, while protecting taxpayers from paying for those missed appointments and unnecessary emergency department visits.
But experts say apps might not be the way to go. “The majority of Medicaid patients, from what I understand, have economic issues, and an app would require a smartphone,” said Alan Stern, vice president of healthcare solution sales at GoMo Health, a mobile engagement company.
The concept of using an online portal to reach Medicaid beneficiaries has also been slammed by stakeholders familiar with the population. When the CMS suggested managed Medicaid plans create an online grievance system as part of a recent rulemaking, payers dismissed the idea, citing the lack of access to computers for many.
