Mathematica recently completed telephone surveys to evaluate Medicaid managed care programs in seven states. The sample frames were state Medicaid administrative records. Some files lacked addresses or telephone numbers and others had inaccurate information. Some files misreported current program eligibility. Poor quality data adversely impacted survey response rates and has implications for other uses of the files.
In the state with the least current administrative data, we located telephone numbers for 62 percent of the sample. In the state with the best administrative data, we located telephone numbers for 77 percent. Because our analysis required high response rates, we employed other methods to maximize locatability. In one state, merging contact information from Food Stamp and welfare files with Medicaid records increased the locatability rate from 51 to 67 percent. In another, in-person locating efforts increased the locatability rate from 44 percent to 59 percent. Additional locating efforts are costly and not always possible. If states want to conduct customer satisfaction surveys among Medicaid beneficiaries, improving the contact information on the administrative files is imperative.
Low response rates are not the only adverse consequences of inaccurate administrative data. Vulnerable populations may lose health insurance if the state is unable to contact them to renew or extend coverage. In states with managed care plans, enrollees may not receive important notices and may even be unaware of their coverage--thus managed care plans may be effectively overpaid relative to their real caseloads.
This paper will suggest ways for states to improve their records.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to (1) recognize the inaccuracies in the state Medicaid administrative records, (2)understand the adverse consequences of these inaccuracies, and (3)develop procedures to supplement and update the administrative records (for the purpose of improving survey response rates and carrying out other functions.)
Keywords: Medicaid Managed Care, Survey
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.