hawk-i Program and Wellmark Continue to Serve Uninsured Children in Iowa

The Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i) Program provides free or low-cost health, prescription drug, and dental benefits to Iowa children whose families whose income falls between 133 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level. There are approximately 56,000 uninsured children in Iowa. Of these, 40,000 may be eligible for low-cost or free health coverage, and 17,000 may be eligible for coverage under the hawk-i program. Additional information regarding Wellmark coverage under the program can be found in the Wellmark Provider Guide.

• hawk-i Coverage Options
• hawk-i Q&A: A Program Refresher
• hawk-i Drug Benefits

hawk-i Coverage Options

Covered hawk-i members have either managed care or indemnity coverage, depending on where they live. Wellmark has contracted with the Iowa Department of Human Services to provide Classic Blue coverage in counties where a managed care plan is unavailable. On September 1, 2006, a Blue Access managed care plan became available in a number of Iowa counties. The current health plan coverage area under the hawk-i program can be found on the hawk-i web site. A hawk-i member living in a county with a new offering or multiple options can change coverage only on his or her anniversary date.

hawk-i Identification Cards
Each child with Wellmark coverage has his or her own individual ID card that identifies hawk-i as the group. The cards display the Blue Cross and Blue Shield as well as the product logo, and include identifying alpha prefixes:

• XQQ for Classic Blue
• XQW for Blue Access

To check benefits or eligibility, log into BlueConnection^®, and use the View Eligibility and Benefits tool (if you are not already registered with BlueConnection, you may register using the links on the left of the main Provider page), or call one of our Customer/Provider Service phone numbers:

Classic Blue 800-362-2218 or 515-245-4688
Blue Access 800-355-2031 or 515-246-6297

hawk-i Q&A: A Program Refresher

• How do families and children qualify for coverage under hawk-i?
• How will I know if a hawk-i patient has Classic Blue or Blue Access health coverage?
• How do I know if I am a hawk-i participating provider?
• How will I be reimbursed for treating a hawk-i patient?
• Where do I find hawk-i information to share with my patients?

Q. How do families and children qualify for coverage under hawk-i?

A. To qualify for hawk-i, a child must meet the following qualifications:

• Reside in Iowa
• Be under 19 years old
• Have no other health insurance
• Be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien
• Be in a family that meets the hawk-i income limits
• Not be the dependent of a State of Iowa employee
• Not qualify for Medicaid

Q. How will I know if a hawk-i patient has Classic Blue or Blue Access health coverage?

A. hawk-i members with Wellmark coverage will carry a Wellmark identification card. The cards display the Blue Cross and Blue Shield as well as the product logo, and include identifying alpha prefixes: XQQ for Classic Blue coverage and XQW for Blue Access. The ID card will also indicate hawk-i as the group name.

Q. How do I know if I am a hawk-i participating provider?

A. hawk-i does not require its own unique provider network. Therefore, if you are a participating provider with Classic Blue, you are a participating provider for hawk-i members covered by Classic Blue. If you are a participating Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa provider, you are a participating provider for hawk-i members covered by Blue Access.

Q. How will I be reimbursed for treating a hawk-i patient?

A. Reimbursement for services provided to hawk-i patients who have coverage through Classic Blue or through Blue Access is the same as it is for all other Classic Blue and Blue Access patients. In other words, the Classic Blue and Blue Access participating provider agreement applies to hawk-i patients.

Q. Where do I find hawk-i information to share with my patients?

A. By calling hawk-i customer service at 800-257-8563, you can request the following:

• Brochures with application
• Posters
• Bookmarks
• Newsletter inserts

There is no cost to you. The Department of Human Services pays for all of the shipping costs. Additional information is available on the hawk-i program’s Web site at www.hawk-i.org.

Copyright© 2008 Wellmark, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association doing business in Iowa and South Dakota. Blue Cross®, Blue Shield®, and the Cross® and Shield® symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.