Community Service Society - Community Service Society of New York - fighting poverty, shaping public policy, helping NYCMedicaid Choice Education Program (MCEP)

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MEDICAID_CHOICE_EDUCATION_PROGRAM_(MCEP)

In December 2002, the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) and Maximus Inc. entered into a partnership to provide education and outreach to Medicaid consumers through the Medicaid CHOICE Education Project (MCEP). MCEP is a consumer-focused program created to assist Medicaid eligible consumers to understand Medicaid’s transformation from a fee-for-service to a managed care system. Maximus Inc. and the Community Service Society have collaborated to provide workshops to educate and assist Medicaid consumers in navigating the Medicaid Managed Care system to ensure that consumers make the best choices for themselves and their families.

Most Medicaid consumers now receive their health care through Managed Care Health Plans. The process can be confusing and difficult. MCEP targets Medicaid eligible individuals with limited English proficiency, a low literacy rate, and with low incomes. Medicaid CHOICE also provides counseling to individuals who live in “high auto-assignment” neighborhoods. In March 2007, CSS also started conducting workshops for consumers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Through Maximus funding, over 30 over 30 community based organizations in all five boroughs of New York City have received funding and training to provide quality information and assistance on how to select and use Medicaid Managed Care Plans. Community-based organizations and CSS field staff currently conduct workshops and counseling sessions at health centers, WIC center, job training programs, and community-based organizations throughout the New York City.