Welcome to our ND Medicaid Member E-Newsletter
Get the most from ND Medicaid! Find 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 fall! We want you to be healthy, informed, and independent!
Medicaid member feedback summary
Recently, we held a virtual member listening session, month-long survey, and focus group. Here is what we learned:
Feedback for the MMEC:
The Medicaid Member Engagement Committee (MMEC) is a member-based committee that advises ND Medicaid based on their experiences.
The MMEC should be a meaningful team that supports better health outcomes. MMEC members should come from different walks of life and ND Medicaid coverage experiences. The MMEC should promote itself using fliers, social media, and storytelling through videos.
Feedback for ND Medicaid:
ND Medicaid should continue to support equal access to health care, engage with the community, reduce barriers, and connect members to health care providers and support staff. Members need more information on services and coverage. Members want to easily connect with E-News, the Customer Support Center, website content, and the Self-Service Portal (SSP). Members are asking us to make the SSP, our notices, and our website easier to use and understand.
Members want another focus group, survey, and listening session to check on the improvement process. See the full summary.
Our Self-Service Portal (SSP) is a website where you can complete your reviews, update your information, upload documents, and view notices. Sign up or login to get started!Medication prior authorization updates
A prior authorization (PA) is a process used to approve medication costs. The need for a PA is changing for some medications. There may be other medication options for you.
As of July 1, 2025, PA is needed for the following diabetes medications. If you use these products, you may have to switch to a similar medication, either Tradjenta or Jentadueto.
- Januvia
- Janumet
- Janumet XR
- Jentadueto XR
Starting on Oct. 1, 2025, PA will be needed for the following asthma and COPD medications. If you use these products, you may have to switch to a similar medication called Dulera.
- Advair HFA
- Advair Diskus
- Airduo Respiclick
You can see if Medicaid covers your medications with our look-up tool. If these changes affect you, visit with your doctor or pharmacist so they can work with Medicaid and make sure you get the medications you need!
Health Tracks team gets a new name!
Medicaid is excited to share a new chapter for the former Health Tracks team, who will now be called the “Quality Outreach Team”!
We’ve updated our name to better reflect the work of our dedicated team. While “Health Tracks” focused on children’s preventive services, our mission has grown to support the quality and health goals of all our members.
You will still connect with the same staff for you and your child’s wellness questions. Our email has changed to reflect our new name. You can email your member-related wellness questions to qualitymemberoutreach@nd.gov. You can call us to ask member-related wellness questions at (701) 328-2014, press 1, or 711 (TTY). We are excited to continue supporting our valued members under our new name!
Online tool locates farmers markets accepting SNAP EBT
Fall is the perfect time to visit a farmers market. You will find pumpkins, squash, and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Now, there’s a tool that helps people find North Dakota farmers markets that accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
It’s easy to use!
- Visit the EBT webpage.
- Click on the gray box called “Use your EBT card at participating farmers markets.”
- A North Dakota map will appear with all farmers markets. Those with yellow stars accept EBT cards.
- Click on the yellow stars to see market hours and what food items are being sold.
Using EBT cards at farmers markets helps bring home healthy, local food for your family!
See all the fresh goods you can find by watching our farmers market EBT video.
HHS offers suicide prevention and recovery resources
North Dakota Health and Human Services is recognizing Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month this September.
Both highlight hope, connection, and the importance of supporting North Dakotans impacted by behavioral health challenges.
Support resources in North Dakota:
- Find services: Find behavioral health services for adults, youth, veterans, tribal communities, and more on the Find Services webpage.
- Regional behavioral health clinics: Mental health and substance use services statewide. Find a behavioral health clinic location.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Support from trained crisis counselors is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat https://988lifeline.org/.
- Parents Lead: Free tools for parents, caregivers, and professionals to reduce stress, notice early signs of behavioral health concerns, and build protective factors. Learn more: ParentsLead.org.
Don’t fall behind on your vaccines
Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent serious illness from many diseases.
Parents can help keep kids healthy by staying on track with regular wellness visits and immunizations.
Want to know which immunizations are suggested at different ages? Visit hhs.nd.gov/immunizations or talk with your child’s doctor or other trusted health care provider.
You can also check your family’s immunization records online at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or by contacting a local public health unit or health care provider.
Why vaccinate? Watch our Because video.
Help transform your rural health care!
Our rural health care system supports the health care and long-term wellness of our rural members. We are creating a Rural Health Transformation Program. This program will strengthen the rural health care system. We want to better understand rural community health needs so we can make this program effective for you! Help us understand your rural community health needs by taking our 15-20 minute online survey before Sept. 12, 2025.
Find out more about our new Rural Health Transformation program
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.
Visit the Medicaid Member Engagement webpage