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.
Medicaid member feedback opportunities
We want to connect with our current and recent members, members’ family caregivers, and those who support our members.
We want your feedback on ND Medicaid and your recommendations for the Medicaid Member Engagement Committee’s (MMEC) best practices during our upcoming member engagement events.
Members could receive a $50 gift card for participating! Our partner, Center for Health Care Strategies, has provided funding for these events and our partnership with Justice Well.
The Justice Well Program has partnered with us to coordinate these events. The Justice Well program offers tools and support for recovery and behavioral health to individuals impacted by the justice system. We look forward to our work with Justice Well to connect with members across the state and from various walks of life.
Bright smiles for a bright spring
Our teeth help us eat, talk, and smile! Keep your child’s teeth healthy by starting these good dental habits early:
- Floss once a day
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, protective outer coating of the tooth. Strong tooth enamel helps prevent cavities. Fluoride is brushed on your teeth to prevent cavities. Ask your dentist if you should get a fluoride treatment. Find a ND Medicaid enrolled dentist in your area at www.insurekidsnow.gov.
Understanding generic and brand name ADHD medications
Brand name medications are only sold by the drug company that owns the patent. After the company’s patent expires, other companies can sell the drug as a generic.
Generic medications are either a copy of a brand medication or an exact brand medication in a generic package.
Generic and brand attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications should work the same. Generics are often cheaper. ND Medicaid will pay for the cheapest option.
If one generic doesn’t work, you must try all other generics that your pharmacy can order before ND Medicaid can cover the cost of a brand. If the generic that is brand in generic packaging does not work for you, ND Medicaid will not cover the brand because it will not work differently or better.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict standards for generic medications. If a generic doesn’t work for you, your doctor reports this to the FDA so they can check for concerns with that generic.
Schedule your child’s well-visit: A healthy start for a bright future!
Your child deserves a bright and healthy future! Regular well-visits help track growth, prevent illness, and keep them thriving.
If you don’t have a provider yet, community health centers can be a great place to start. All individuals, infancy through adulthood can be seen. You will get overall, whole person care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Find out if there is a community health center near you.
Extended coverage for new moms
Did you know new moms stay covered by ND Medicaid for 12 months after the day their baby is born regardless of their financial state?
New moms, find out more about your extended coverage!
Helpful Medicaid tips
Do you need a new Medicaid card? Do you need to know your client ID or case numbers? You can contact our Customer Support Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT:
- Phone: 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000
- TTY: 711
- Free translation is available
- Fax: 701-328-1006
- Mail: Customer Support Center
P.O. Box 5562
Bismarck ND 58506 - Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
You can find Medicaid-related information at www.hhs.nd.gov. Simply type what you are looking for or type “Medicaid” in our search bar. Our website will suggest pages to help you find the information you need!
Sign up for the Self-Service Portal (SSP) to complete a review, update your information, upload documents, and view notices online. You can also get help using the SSP here.
Pre-plan when you can
We've got some great tips for working with your health care professionals and how to know where to go for treatment!
Pre-planning your health care appointments can make all the difference in your treatment experience.
Cancel appointments as soon as you know you can’t attend: When you can’t attend your appointment, cancel and/or reschedule.
Pre-plan your health care: Schedule health care appointments ahead of time. Schedule summer well-child visits and combine them with sports physicals!
Ask about your Medicaid coverage: Ask your provider if Medicaid will cover your medical care. Review our Medicaid Member Handbook to learn more about your coverage.
Know where to go for treatment:
- Provider’s office
- For services like: Wellness checks, counseling, vaccines, non-emergent concerns, manageable pain
- Wait: You will have less wait time at the office because you have an appointment
- Cost: Less costly for members with recipient liability
- Urgent care clinic
- For services like: Unmanageable pain or illness, a worsening condition, minor injuries
- Wait: Wait times vary depending on how many patients need to be seen
- Cost: Moderate cost for members with recipient liability
- Emergency room (ER)
- For services like: Life-threatening conditions, uncontrolled bleeding, extreme fever, severe cuts, difficulty breathing, broken bones
- Wait: Wait times can be lengthy depending on how many patients are at the ER.
- Cost: Most costly for members with recipient liability
Finding a great provider for your family is our priority too!
We know you’re busy, and finding a new provider is one more thing to do. Let us help!
Use our Provider Directory to find all types of ND Medicaid providers within 50 miles outside of all ND borders. Our list can be sorted by provider type, city, and more.
If you are needing help finding a provider and this tool isn’t for you, contact our Customer Support Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT:
- Phone: 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000
- TTY: 711
- Free translation is available
- Fax: 701-328-1006
- Mail: Customer Support Center
- P.O. Box 5562
- Bismarck ND 58506
- Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness with a new family activity book
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being and to share resources that help families grow stronger together. To support this effort, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new tool designed for families: Mindful Moments – An Activity Book for Calm, Creativity, and Reflection.
Created by Parents Lead, this free, printable activity book helps families slow down, reflect, and connect through fun, easy-to-use pages focused on mental wellness. Whether it's navigating big feelings or creating space for small, meaningful conversations, Mindful Moments offers gentle ways to support healthy development—emotionally, mentally, and socially.
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.