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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeCommunityHealth & WellnessDHS Medicaid Division Launches MedicaidNow Messaging System

DHS Medicaid Division Launches MedicaidNow Messaging System

Virgin Islands Department of Human Services

The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Medical Assistance Program today announced the launch of a critical messaging program for all Medicaid clients and providers called the “MedicaidNow” Text Messaging system.

The MedicaidNow instant messaging system provides real-time alerts and messages and seeks to improve the overall delivery of Medicaid services by reminding clients and providers of status and event changes, such as changes to benefits, re-certification deadlines, benefit or agreement expiration, document reviews/submittal and more. The MedicaidNow announcements will be delivered in a timely, secure and confidential manner as long as clients and providers opt-in (sign up) for the service.

“As MAP seeks to modernize and facilitate communication efforts between the Department, Medicaid clients and Medicaid providers, this texting / messaging service was selected as a way to facilitate faster, more responsive communication,” said Medicaid Director Gary Smith.

DHS Commissioner Kimberley Causey Gomez expressed her enthusiasm for the project and said, “It is a well-known fact that text messaging is much faster and more effective for time sensitive, short communications vs. traditional postal mail or even email service. Our goal is to harness technology for the good of all of our members and providers.”

For any Medicaid members to opt-in or opt-out of the messaging system, Medicaid clients and providers may visit the following link: http://mainhsmedicaid.mkiosk.info/?1600 from their smartphone or computer or by entering their information at dedicated kiosks or by visiting the following DHS Medicaid office locations:

St. Thomas:

Knud Hansen Complex

1303 Hospital Ground

774-0930

St. Croix:

41B Mars Hill Road

Frederiksted, VI 00840

(340) 772-7100

St. John:

STJ Multipurpose Building

Cruz Bay, St. John

(340) 776-6334

Signing up on-site or at dedicated kiosks allows for staff to be able to immediately answer questions and help troubleshoot problems for clients entering information. A kiosk (tablet) is presently available at the Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas. Members will be updated following the establishment of kiosks on St. Croix and on St. John.

Once Medicaid clients and providers are signed up, all critical messages that need to be shared with USVI Medicaid members and providers will be sent via text and e-mail messaging. The Medicaid Division is continually improving and identifying ways to be more effective in keeping in touch with clients and providers.

The Medicaid/CHIP Division is a federally-funded assistance program that provides health insurance coverage to qualified residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible covered groups include adults, children, pregnant women, aged adults and people with disabilities that meet financial and non-financial criteria, such as residency, immigration status and citizenship. Uninsured or under-insured individuals may contact the DHS Medicaid office to begin the application process. The Medicaid application can be found here: http://www.dhs.gov.vi/financial_programs/documents/RevisedMedicaidApplication002.pdf

The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. In times of national uncertainty and hardship it acts as a safety net. Visit the Department of Human Services website at www.dhs.gov.vi for more information.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit www.covid19usvi.com or text COVID19USVI to 888777. To report a suspected COVID-19 case, call 712-6299 or 776-1519.

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