Welcome to our ND Medicaid Member E-Newsletter
Get the most from ND Medicaid and Health and Human Services with program updates, seasonal reminders for staying healthy, resources for help, and more! Together, we can make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation!
This month’s issue will get you ready for a healthy summer with information about dental care, behavioral health, care for new moms, medications, and managing your health care coverage.
What is a Biosimilar?
Some medications are called biologics. Generic medications are either a copy of a brand medication or a brand medication in a generic package. The generic version of a biologic is called a biosimilar. Biosimilars have been available for several years and are as safe and work the same as the original biologic.
Biosimilars might cost less money sometimes, but they work the same. In some cases, ND Medicaid will cover biosimilar medications instead of the original biologic. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are asked to change to a biosimilar and have questions.
For more information, visit the USDA website.
Invest in your health with a wellness visit
Have you had your yearly wellness visit? Your yearly wellness visit is your chance for a physical exam. You can talk with your health care provider about your overall health. You can address any concerns you may have. Regular checkups can help you stay healthy! During your yearly wellness visit, a provider can help you:
- Renew needed medications
- Keep up-to-date on screenings and vaccinations
- Catch health risks before they become more serious
- Learn about healthy habits
Think of it as an investment in your future self. Don’t wait – schedule your wellness visit now and stay ahead of your health.
Not sure where to start? Find a community health center near you.
Sports physical + Wellness visit = A big win!
Are your kids playing fall sports? It is recommended that you get their sports physical done between mid-April and before school starts.
Is your child due for their regular wellness visit? A wellness visit helps your child stay on track with their health and development.
Now is a great time to make an appointment for their sports physical AND wellness visit together! We may be able to pay for your child’s sports physical when done during their wellness visit. Save your time and money; make an appointment with your provider for both!
Visit the Medicaid Member Handbook to learn more.
Translate my Medicaid!
North Dakota (ND) Medicaid serves many members who are new to the United States (U.S.) and North Dakota and speak languages other than English. Some of our members experience other barriers to understanding their coverage. Here are some ways we support them:
- Our Member Engagement and Resources webpage offers prompts to translate our entire website to a preferred language!
- Our newest webpage, Understanding Health Care in the U.S., breaks down the health care system in the U.S.
- We are designing a flyer showing members they can learn more about Medicaid in their preferred language.
- We cover American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and language translator services during Medicaid-covered appointments. You can help arrange these services with your health care provider.
- Members can get free interpreter services to understand notices and get help over the phone by calling the Customer Support Center:
- Phone: 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000
- 711 (TTY)
- Fax: 701-328-1006
- Mail: Customer Support Center
P.O. Box 5562
Bismarck ND 58506 - Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Medicaid member feedback summary
We recently hosted multiple events to better connect with our current and recent members and their family caregivers.
During our May 6 virtual member listening session, we asked more than 120 members for feedback on ND Medicaid. We explored what areas of ND Medicaid need our attention most and how to build a meaningful member-based committee.
Fifty four members took surveys showing us that members want us to focus on the eligibility process, dental services and non-emergency medical transportation. We found that our members were looking forward to sharing more during our June 13 focus group. They would also like to take another survey and are interested in joining the Medicaid Member Engagement Committee.
We are reviewing the information from the member survey and focus group now. We look forward to sharing the feedback we gather and continuing to involve you in shaping ND Medicaid!
Personal needs allowance increase
The personal needs allowance protects how much money you can save while living in a residential care facility. You may live in a nursing home, basic care facility or an intermediate care facility. This allowance may also apply to your Social Security Insurance subsidy.
Starting July 1, 2025, we have raised this amount by $15 per month. This helps you save and spend more of your personal funds as you choose. This amount is reviewed every year for inflation impacts.
Appealing a ND Medicaid Decision
ND Medicaid may deny, change or end your coverage. This can happen for different reasons. An appeal is when you ask Medicaid to take a closer look at the decision that has been made.
What do you do when your coverage is changed or a medical service was denied, but you still feel you need it? You appeal ND Medicaid decision.
You can do this by:
- Visiting our File an Appeal webpage
- Call to ask for an appeal or ask a question:
- Toll-Free: (800) 472-2622
- Local: (701) 328-2311
- 711 (TTY)
- Send a written request for an appeal:
- Email: dhslau@nd.gov
- FAX: (701) 328-2173
- Mail: Appeals Supervisor
North Dakota Health and Human Services
600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Remember to ask for telehealth!
Are you traveling long distance to visit with your health care provider? Don’t forget to ask them if your appointment can be done through telehealth!
Telehealth is a way to see your provider through video or phone. You will likely need internet connection, a phone and privacy.
If your provider offers telehealth, ask if ND Medicaid will cover it. Telehealth appointments can save you the time cost of long-distance travel.
Want to connect about member engagement?
Hey there! I’m Jen Sheppard, ND Medicaid’s Member Liaison. I work with the Medicaid Member Engagement Committee (MMEC), Medicaid Member E-News, our member engagement webpage and more. You can connect with me for questions, concerns or ideas about member engagement at medicaidmembers@nd.gov.