FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2003) – The federal government has approved Kentucky’s contract with Passport Health Plan, the Medicaid provider in 16 counties.

            Passport provides care to 125,000 Medicaid recipients.

            The contract, approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is for the period Sept. 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 and is for $355 million.

            Passport began in 1997 and includes the University of Louisville Medical School Practice Association, Jewish Hospital Healthcare Services, Norton Healthcare, University Medical Center, Inc., and the Louisville-Jefferson County Primary Care Association. AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan serves as the administrator.  

The health plan was created with two goals in mind:  to control the rising cost of Medicaid and to improve health outcomes for members.

            Medicaid members have gained access to services such as a 24-hour nurse advice line, an advanced perinatal care program, and health and disease management programs. A team of member services professionals respond to member calls and offer extended service hours. Case managers work closely with members with special health care needs to coordinate all aspects of care thereby enhancing benefits and improving health outcomes. 

            Passport covers the following counties: Jefferson, Oldham, Trimble, Carroll, Henry, Shelby, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, Washington, Marion, Larue, Hardin, Grayson, Meade, Breckinridge.

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