Molina offers free cell phones to some Medicaid members
Health plans are increasingly using mobile health to engage its customers, but Molina Healthcare in Utah has gone a step further by providing the use of free cell phones to eligible Medicaid members so they can receive text message-based health services and be more involved in their care.
Qualifying members of the plan can receive a wireless phone with 250 monthly minutes, unlimited text messaging and toll-free calls to Molina's member services from TracFone Wireless, through its SafeLink Health Solutions.
The cell phones are "a unique tool that greatly enhances the quality of services to our members," said Chad Westover, president of Molina Healthcare of Utah, in a news release.
These Medicaid members may also subscribe to Voxiva's mobile health programs, including text4baby, text4kids and text4health, for information and alerts that encourage them to follow guidelines for physical exams, preventive screenings and immunizations, at no cost to them or to the health plan. Such mobile health services have been found to improve key quality measures and member retention.
Molina Healthcare offers plans for low-income families and individuals and for state Medicaid programs and operates in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas in addition to Utah.
